The Hawaiian Islands are a hotspot of biodiversity and a natural laboratory for the study of evolution and how quickly new species arise. In fact, Hawaiian insects have the fastest speciation rates documented among invertebrates. One diverse and rapidly speciating group in Hawaii is the bark louse (Order Psocoptera) genus Ptycta, which has 51 described species and more than an estimated 100 species, but has received little attention. This research focuses on the study of Hawaiian Ptycta, including documenting the diversity of Hawaiian Ptycta, analyzing relationships among Ptycta species, and investigating the geographic origin of the Ptycta colonist(s) that reached Hawaii. Preliminary DNA sequence data suggest that Hawaiian Ptycta may have diversified extremely rapidly, with a speciation rate higher than any other insect lineage. These data also support novel patterns that challenge the standard patterns of colonization and diversification on the Hawaiian Islands.
This study will improve understanding of the processes driving speciation on the Hawaiian Islands, offer insights into how quickly new species arise, and provide important information on diversity and habitat use of Hawaiian bark lice. Description of new species, documentation of species distribution, and identification of local diversity hotspots will also result, providing important information for conservation of biodiversity in Hawaii.
