Rapid-radiation

Guides

  • Cicindela decemnotata

    Badlands Tiger Beetle

    Cicindela decemnotata, commonly known as the badlands tiger beetle, is a flashy tiger beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is the westernmost representative of a species group characterized by green coloration with variable red markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species has undergone recent and rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession, with five recognized subspecies based on morphological and molecular evidence. Populations show relatively low genetic divergence despite marked morphological differences, suggesting colonization within the past 10,000 years.

  • Dorymyrmex

    pyramid ants, cone ants

    Dorymyrmex is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, commonly known as pyramid ants or cone ants. The genus exhibits an amphitropical distribution pattern, with highest diversity concentrated in arid temperate regions of North and South America rather than tropical zones. Phylogenomic studies have identified four major species groups: D. flavescens, tener, wolffhuegeli, and pyramicus groups. The genus has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation, particularly in the pyramicus group, presenting ongoing taxonomic challenges.