An integrative phylogenomic approach illuminates the evolutionary history of cockroaches and termites (Blattodea)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-30-2019

Abstract

Phylogenetic relationships among subgroups of cockroaches and termites are still matters of debate. Their divergence times and major phenotypic transitions during evolution are also not yet settled. We addressed these points by combining the first nuclear phylogenomic study of termites and cockroaches with a thorough approach to divergence time analysis, identification of endosymbionts, and reconstruction of ancestral morphological traits and behaviour. Analyses of the phylogenetic relationships within Blattodea robustly confirm previously uncertain hypotheses such as the sister-group relationship between Blaberoidea and remaining Blattodea, and Lamproblatta being the closest relative to the social and wood-feeding Cryptocercus and termites. Consequently, we propose new names for various clades in Blattodea: Cryptocercus þ termites ¼ Tutricablattae; Lamproblattidae þ Tutricablattae ¼ Kittrickea; and Blattoidea þ Corydioidea ¼ Solumblattodea. Our inferred divergence times contradict previous studies by showing that most subgroups of Blattodea evolved in the Cretaceous, reducing the gap between molecular estimates of divergence times and the fossil record. On a phenotypic level, the blatto-dean ground-plan is for egg packages to be laid directly in a hole while other forms of oviposition, including ovovivipary and vivipary, arose later. Finally, other changes in egg care strategy may have allowed for the adaptation of nest building and other novelties.

Identifier

85061307121 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2076

e-ISSN

14712954

ISSN

09628452

PubMed ID

30963947

Issue

1895

Volume

286

Grant

16H04825

Fund Ref

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

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