Coastal beetles: diversity and evolution
Systematics, evolution, and species discovery of supralittoral beetles in the genus Ochthebius. It aims to unravel their evolutionary history, adaptations, and diversity in coastal habitats.
This project, led by Michael Balke, Adrián Villastrigo, and Lars Hendrich, explores the evolution of high Andean aquatic beetles using barcoding, morphology, and genome sequencing to study phylogeography, speciation, and adaptation in a global phylogeny.
Evolutionary dynamics across an extreme altitudinal gradient
This project investigates evolutionary dynamics across extreme altitudinal gradients, focusing on Limbodessus diving beetles. It explores habitat transitions, adaptations, and passive uplift scenarios to understand biodiversity and specialization.