Diversidad y Conectividad de Crisomélidos

This project investigates the diversity and genetic connectivity of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the Cordillera del Cóndor through a comparative analysis with the cloud forests of the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. Building upon previous findings, this research expands to new sites characterized by Cretaceous sandstone plateaus ("tepui-like" formations). Recent discoveries of endemic flora 1,2 and fauna 3–5 in the region suggest that specialized animals exhibit similar patterns of allopatric speciation driven by nutrient-poor white-sand soils and geological isolation. By employing integrative taxonomy and DNA barcoding (cox1), the study will identify cryptic lineages using molecular delimitation models (bPTP and GMYC). The objective is to determine if the Cordillera del Cóndor acts as a significant barrier to gene flow, fostering a unique biota distinct from Andean assemblages, thus providing essential data for the conservation of this highly threatened "evolutionary laboratory."