CAREER: Systematics of eustyline and geonemine weevils: Connecting and contrasting Caribbean and Neotropical mainland radiations

象鼻虫属（Exophthalmus genus complex）象鼻虫种类繁多，是柑橘和其他栽培植物的重要经济害虫，在分类学上具有挑战性。在加勒比海和中美洲，约有45种已被描述;尽管野外工作表明还有数十种未被描述。大多数加勒比物种居住在单一的岛屿，这表明，历史因素，而不是适应通过宿主植物的关系，促进了他们的多样化。该项目旨在解决长期存在的理解这一群体多样性的困难。结合系统发育分析的180-220种和化石为基础的方法来确定分歧时间将允许测试的顺序和相对重要性的地质和进化事件，促进了这些昆虫的多样化的众多假设。将使用现代描述工具制作一本突眼属物种级专著。一个全面的电子出版战略将促进语义整合未来的分类学研究这个和其他beetles lineages.The项目包括资源的博士后研究员，教育助理谁将加强推广计划，研究生，和六个本科生谁将参加收集旅行整个新热带。将在波多黎各启动一个影响深远的昆虫多样性学习方案;包括：（1）开设关于生物多样性文献现代方法的大学课程，（2）针对6-12年级教师的校园讲习班，（3）为与该岛环境教育主要组织有联系的人举办昆虫多样性监测现场讲习班，（4）建立一个与UPRM无脊椎动物收藏相关的K-12年级适当的昆虫陈列室，（5）为个别学生提供根据其技能水平进行研究项目的机会，以及（6）通过新开发的多贡献者网站在线传播所有教育活动的成果。

Weevils in the Exophthalmus genus complex are colorful, economically important as pest species of citrus and other cultivated plants, and taxonomically challenging. Approximately 45 species have been described from the Caribbean and Mesoamerica; although field work indicates that dozens of additional species remain undescribed. Most Caribbean species inhabit single islands, suggesting that historical factors, as opposed to adaptation through host plant relationships, have facilitated their diversification. This project aims to resolve the long-standing difficulties of understanding the diversity in this group. A combined phylogenetic analysis of 180-220 species and fossil-based methods for dating divergence times will allow the testing of numerous hypotheses regarding the sequence and relative importance of geological and evolutionary events that have promoted the diversification of these insects. A species-level monograph of Exophthalmus will be produced using modern description tools. A comprehensive e-publication strategy will facilitate the semantic integration of future taxonomic research on this and other beetle lineages.The project includes resources for a postdoctoral researcher, an education associate who will enhance the outreach program, a graduate student, and six undergraduate students who will participate in collecting trips throughout the Neotropics. A far-reaching insect diversity learning program will be launched in Puerto Rico; including (1) the implementation of a university-level course in contemporary methods of biodiversity documentation, (2) on-campus workshops aimed at grade 6-12 teachers, (3) on-site workshops in insect diversity monitoring for people affiliated with the island's leading organization in environmental education, (4) the establishment of a K-12 grade-appropriate insect showroom in association with the UPRM invertebrate collection, (5) opportunities for individual students to conduct research projects adjusted to their skill level, and (6) the on-line dissemination of the outcomes of all educational activities through a newly developed, multi-contributor website.