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Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2024, 14(3): 86-94
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Article

Elytron shape variability among selected synanthropic beetles from Southern Philippines

Ernel D. Bagbag1,2, Cesar G. Demayo2,3, Mark Anthony J. Torres2,4
1Natural Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, Philippines
2Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines
3Center of Integrative Health, Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines
4School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines

Received 12 March 2024;Accepted 20 April 2024;Published online 25 April 2024;Published 1 September 2024
IAEES

Abstract
The shape of biological structures is frequently studied using qualitative features, although this methodology can produce ambiguities and score mistakes. In addition, the lack of homologous locations and the challenges in comparing linear measurements limit the ability of standard morphometrics to quantify shape. Geometric Morphometrics (GM) is an alternate method for examining an organism's shape that addresses the shortcomings of conventional morphometrics and qualitative features. This study used GM to investigate the phenetic relationships of selected synanthropic Coleopteran species based on the shape of their elytron, which is an autapomorphic trait of beetles. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was possible to see how the average shape of these structures changed over time, and the results showed considerable shape differences between species. The sampled elytra displayed a broad shape with outward displacement on the anterior part, and a concave shape with a displacement on the mid-lateral section (PC1 = 84%, PC2 = 6.79%). These structures represent adaptations seen in Coleopteran species, which offer insightful information about the morphological evolution of elytron and to understand diversification of beetles.

Keywords autapomorphic;coleopterans;diversity;geometric morphometrics;phenetic relationships.


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