Origin and rise of a giant: Phylogeography of the Neotropical bullet ant Paraponera clavata

2012 REU Project:

The Neotropical bullet ant Paraponera clavata has its name on account of its painful sting. It is said that being stung by a bullet ant feels like being shot by a bullet. This ant is a conspicuous component of lowland Neotropical rainforests. It has an extremely wide distribution ranging from Honduras in the north to Bolivia and Brazil in the south. We will use DNA sequence data (the mitochondrial gene cytochorme oxidase I, mtCOI) to study the genetic population structure and phylogeography of the bullet ant across its entire range in Central and Southern America. More specifically, we are asking whether gene flow occurs between geographically well separated sites or on the contrary, whether populations are genetically isolated leaving room for speciation events. A central question of this research topic is where the giant bullet ant has its origin and in which direction it populated its current range. We will also assess the time frame in which population of the Americas occurred using divergence estimates and fossil calibration, as well as several outgroup taxa. To pursue these topics, we will include ants from several populations throughout the entire distribution range in our studies and analyze data using standard techniques.

Research methods and techniques: Interns will receive training in DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing in the Museum’s core genetics facility, the Pritzker Laboratory and the DNA Discovery Center. Moreover, interns will learn sequence data analyses and phylogeographic analyses methods.

Curator/Advisors: Dr. Corrie Moreau (Assistant Curator) & Dr. Stefanie Kautz (Postdoctoral Researcher)