TY - JOUR
T1 - Shape as a Key to Taxonomy
T2 - Morphometric Analysis of Tetropium Species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
AU - Smith-Pardo, Allan H.
AU - Lingafelter, Steven W.
AU - Laroze, David
AU - Piñeiro-Gonzalez, Alejandro
AU - Benítez, Hugo A.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the authors.
PY - 2025/4
Y1 - 2025/4
N2 - The study of shape by the use of geometric morphometrics has been an important tool for addressing taxonomic challenges in complex groups like the genus Tetropium Kirby, 1837 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). This insect genus includes 28 species, 8 of which are found in North America, with the invasive T. fuscum (Fabricius) posing a significant quarantine risk as a pest of coniferous trees. The present study evaluated the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze the pronotum shape in females of nine species of the genus, showing the effectiveness of this tool in distinguishing between species. Even if some overlaps were found between some species, this research highlights the potential of GM in developing pest monitoring, quarantine managements, and integrated pest management programs. Our findings suggest that the use of a comprehensive database of landmarks, encompassing broader geographic and ecological diversity, could further improve species identification at ports of entry and facilitate trade.
AB - The study of shape by the use of geometric morphometrics has been an important tool for addressing taxonomic challenges in complex groups like the genus Tetropium Kirby, 1837 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). This insect genus includes 28 species, 8 of which are found in North America, with the invasive T. fuscum (Fabricius) posing a significant quarantine risk as a pest of coniferous trees. The present study evaluated the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze the pronotum shape in females of nine species of the genus, showing the effectiveness of this tool in distinguishing between species. Even if some overlaps were found between some species, this research highlights the potential of GM in developing pest monitoring, quarantine managements, and integrated pest management programs. Our findings suggest that the use of a comprehensive database of landmarks, encompassing broader geographic and ecological diversity, could further improve species identification at ports of entry and facilitate trade.
KW - coniferous pest
KW - geometric morphometrics
KW - shape analysis
KW - spondylidinae
KW - spruce longhorned beetle
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105003592860
U2 - 10.3390/insects16040386
DO - 10.3390/insects16040386
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105003592860
SN - 2075-4450
VL - 16
JO - Insects
JF - Insects
IS - 4
M1 - 386
ER -