Abstract

The evolution of song complexity in relation to speciation in the round-headed katydids (Amblycorypha) has yet to be studied. This research aims to generate a dataset of comparable genetic markers among the four identified species within the Amblycorypha rotundifolia complex and several other undescribed song morphs (probable species) within the complex to generate a robust phylogeny of the group. The study aims to present a phylogenetic estimate of the Amblycorypha rotundifolia complex using sequences from 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rDNA, and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2. The four identified species are A. rotundifolia, A. alexanderi, A. bartrami, and A. parvipennis. Although all eastern species within the rotundifolia complex are morphologically identical, they are readily distinguishable by their individual calling songs. Differences in mating signals are extremely important for locating a mate and for correct pair formation. Thus it is hypothesized that new song morphs are undescribed species. Using standard molecular techniques the nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal DNA cistron ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (Figure 1) were compared for all samples. A species in a different genus, Scudderia furcata, was used as an outgroup. Preliminary data shows greater interspecific variation than intraspecific, providing method confirmation. PCR products from numerous individuals representative of all four complexes, plus outgroups, await cloning and sequencing.

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