Beetles are by far the most species-rich animal radiation. They are an extremely important group. Our current understanding of general patterns of beetle evolution in the past decade is based on several phylogenies on morphology and DNA sequences. However, only few studies have been done specifically on Sri Lankan beetles.

This project aims to understand the evolutionary processes underlying the exceptional beetle diversity of Indian subcontinent using a combination of phylogenetic, macroecological and biogeographical data. The phylogenetic patterns retrieved from DNA sequences will be particularly useful to investigate the dynamic biogeography of the region.

Collaborators: Dr. Derk Ahans & Ms. Sasanka Ranasinghe.

Funding: NIFS, DAAD, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation