Butterfly genomics: methodological optimization, evolutionary dynamics of their interactions with endosymbionts, and genomically informed conservation strategies.

Pedro DE GUSMAO RIBEIRO

Disertační práce

A comprehensive look into the evolutionary histary of Neotropical skippers (Lepidoptera:Hesperiidae) and their widespread wing convergence patterns

Abstract:

In this thesis, I integrate methodological, biological and applied perspectives to investigate how to leverage genomic data for the study of butterfly biodiversity and conservation. The thesis consists of four chapters tackling each one of these perspectives. In the Chapter 1, I propose a best-practices guideline for the development of a non-model organism phylogenomic's project, discussing cost-efficiency of different sequencing methods and genome assembly strategies. This guideline is one of the bases of chapters two and three, in which I use phylogenetics to investigate the micro- (Chapter 2) and macro-evolutionary (Chapter 3) dynamics of host-endosymbiont interactions, focusing on the relationship between Wolbachia and its butterfly hosts. In these chapters, I also provide insights into Wolbachia's acquisition and transfer patterns across species and genera, going beyond the explorative value of genomic data and answering established biological questions. Lastly, in Chapter 4, I review the applied use of genomics approaches for conservation purposes, using butterflies as a flagship taxon.

Abstract:

In this thesis, I integrate methodological, biological and applied perspectives to investigate how to leverage genomic data for the study of butterfly biodiversity and conservation. The thesis consists of four chapters tackling each one of these perspectives. In the Chapter 1, I propose a best-practices guideline for the development of a non-model organism phylogenomic's project, discussing cost-efficiency of different sequencing methods and genome assembly strategies. This guideline is one of the bases of chapters two and three, in which I use phylogenetics to investigate the micro- (Chapter 2) and macro-evolutionary (Chapter 3) dynamics of host-endosymbiont interactions, focusing on the relationship between Wolbachia and its butterfly hosts. In these chapters, I also provide insights into Wolbachia's acquisition and transfer patterns across species and genera, going beyond the explorative value of genomic data and answering established biological questions. Lastly, in Chapter 4, I review the applied use of genomics approaches for conservation purposes, using butterflies as a flagship taxon.

Keywords

genomics, biodiversity, Lepidoptera, butterflies, Hesperiidae, phylogenomics, Wolbachia, conservation

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 8. 7. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: RNDr. Pável Fortunato MATOS MARAVÍ, MSc.

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Doktorský studijní program / obor:
Zoology / Zoology