Studies on the evolutionary ecology of leaf beetles

Leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are a numerous group of beetles that can usually be found on the leaves of trees, bushes or weeds. They tend to exhibit attractive colours, a range of body shapes and interesting reproductive behaviours that, on the whole, make them an ideal group for ecological and evolutionary studies. Particularly, the evolution of differences in size between males and females (sexual size dimorphism) and the strategies used by the sexes in order to control the reproductive decisions of one another, have been at the centre of the research interests of Omar Sotelo.

During the 2010 reproductive season of Mexican leaf beetles (Summer – Fall), Omar worked with several species at the Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Huautla, a National Park located in Central Mexico, south of the State of Morelos. Omar’s preliminary results show that these beetle species exhibit a range of sexual size dimorphism (species where males are larger than females and species where females are the larger sex). With this natural variation, he will be able to test functional hypotheses that can account for the evolution and maintenance of sexual size dimorphism.

Studies like this allow us to know deep in detail the life history of these small organisms (sometimes labelled as threats to humans due to their preference to feed on commercial crops) and they enable us to produce the necessary knowledge to elaborate conservation plans. The latter are desperately needed for a wide range of habitats across Mexico.