Landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of the shape of the abdominal dorsum of Uroplata girardi Pic (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

This study was conducted to describe and explain morphological variation within and among populations of Uroplata girardi Pic, an herbivore of an invasive weed Lantana camara using the geometric morphometric approach. The foundation of this research is to describe patterns of morphological variation in natural populations especially those found in different geographical locations and varieties of Lantana. These descriptions are then used to frame hypotheses on the roles natural selection and geographical isolation play in evolution. Two-thousand nine hundred fifty (2950) individuals were examined in this study collected from four varieties in fifteen (15) locations in Mindanao, Cebu and Bohol, Philippines. Results of landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis showed variability within and among populations of the beetle although there was minimal differentiation observed in this insect. This could explain why control measures using this “biocontrol agent” have been spotty and unpredictable. Results also showed that variability within, and among populations of the insect cannot be explained by geography alone as there were variations observed between those collected from different varieties. The results of this study are discussed in the light of how variation within populations is translated into differences between populations, species, and higher taxa.