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Integrative species delimitation in spider mites by phylogenomics, morphometrics and niche modeling

Research Project

Project/Area Number 22KF0325
Project/Area Number (Other) 22F22380 (2022)
Research Category

Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows

Allocation TypeMulti-year Fund (2023)
Single-year Grants (2022)
Section外国
Review Section Basic Section 45030:Biodiversity and systematics-related
Research InstitutionTokyo Metropolitan University

Principal Investigator

江口 克之  東京都立大学, 理学研究科, 准教授 (30523419)

Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) LIAO JHIH-RONG  東京都立大学, 理学研究科, 外国人特別研究員
Project Period (FY) 2023-03-08 – 2025-03-31
Project Status Granted (Fiscal Year 2023)
Budget Amount *help
¥2,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,200,000)
Fiscal Year 2024: ¥800,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000)
Fiscal Year 2023: ¥1,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000)
Fiscal Year 2022: ¥300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥300,000)
Keywordsspider mite / genome-wide SNP / machine learning / niche modeling
Outline of Research at the Start

The present study aims to test the effectiveness of integrated approaches of molecular, morphometric, and ecological niche analyses as well as conventional morphological examination, for clarifying the species boundaries and speciation continuum among Tetranychus urticae and related species.

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Within the last fiscal year, our team has enriched the fields of Veterinary science and environmental Entomology through a series of impactful studies. Beginning with a seminal nationwide survey published in Medical and Veterinary Entomology, we have exposed the overlooked threat ticks present to health sectors in Taiwan. Advancing our research scope, we scrutinized the adaptability of alien predatory mites to climatic shifts and the influence of urban layouts on Aedes aegypti dispersal, with these pivotal findings featured in Pest Management Science. Further solidifying our role as thought leaders, our comprehensive review in Formosan Entomologist articulated the milestones achieved in the taxonomy of phytoseiid mites in Taiwan, proposing directions for future research. This piece notably encapsulates our analytical prowess in deciphering intricate ecological dynamics. Complementing our published work, a presentation at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Acarological Society of Japan shed light on the climate-induced limitations on the invasive European red mite's expansion, reflecting our proactive stance on predicting and mitigating pest impacts in a changing world. Additionally, our team's ongoing efforts in developing innovative methodologies have significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of ecological interactions and pest management strategies. Collectively, these scholarly endeavors echo our dedication to unraveling complex environmental challenges and embody our commitment to international collaboration and accessibility in scientific discourse.

Current Status of Research Progress
Current Status of Research Progress

1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.

Reason

This fiscal year, our project has made significant strides in the integrative species delimitation of Tetranychus urticae using phylogenomics, morphometrics, and niche modeling. We have conducted extensive fieldwork across Japan, collecting data in varied ecological zones: from the temperate climates of Hokkaido to the subtropical regions of Okinawa. While our efforts have successfully captured comprehensive genomic and morphometric data in Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki regions, areas such as Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku remain underexplored. These regions are crucial for understanding the full range of ecological niches occupied by T. urticae, as they likely harbor distinct genetic lineages that could inform our phylogenomic analyses. Our niche modeling efforts have begun to reveal how environmental variables influence the distribution patterns of T. urticae, but additional data from unexplored regions would significantly enhance the accuracy and predictive power of our models. The upcoming year will focus on extending our field research to these uncharted territories, aiming to build a more complete picture of the species' diversity and ecological adaptability. This will not only fill critical gaps in our current understanding but also refine our integrative approach to species delimitation. Our progress to date aligns well with our project milestones, and we are optimistic that continued exploration and data integration will lead to significant contributions to acarology and species conservation strategies.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

As we advance into the next phase of our project on Tetranychus urticae, our team is set to explore a range of underrepresented areas across Japan, starting with Niigata in late April to capture data on how these mites adapt to the spring climate. This journey will continue into early May with a focus on Nagoya and Shizuoka, where we will examine the influence of urban and rural settings on mite populations. By late August, our efforts will shift to the historical landscapes of Nara and Kyoto, assessing the impacts of traditional and contemporary agricultural practices on these organisms. Later in the year, our research will extend to Shikoku, Kyushu, and Tohoku, exploring diverse agricultural landscapes and unique climatic conditions. These areas are crucial for understanding the ecological variance and adaptive strategies of mite populations under different environmental pressures. After completing our extensive field surveys, the final months of the year will be dedicated to a thorough analysis of the collected data. This will involve integrating genomic data from the specimens with environmental parameters to enhance our phylogenomic analysis. By constructing detailed phylogenetic trees and examining genetic relationships, we aim to delineate species boundaries and understand patterns of divergence among mite populations. The integration of this genetic information with our ecological findings will be crucial for predicting how T. urticae may adapt to future environmental changes, contributing to our broader goals in acarology and ecological conservation.

Report

(2 results)
  • 2023 Research-status Report
  • 2022 Annual Research Report
  • Research Products

    (7 results)

All 2023 Other

All Int'l Joint Research (1 results) Journal Article (5 results) (of which Int'l Joint Research: 1 results,  Peer Reviewed: 4 results,  Open Access: 1 results) Presentation (1 results)

  • [Int'l Joint Research] National Taiwan University/National Chung Hsing University(その他の国・地域)

    • Related Report
      2022 Annual Research Report
  • [Journal Article] Nationwide survey of ticks on domesticated animals in Taiwan: Revealing the hidden threat to animal and public health2023

    • Author(s)
      Liao Jhih‐Rong、Liao Yi‐Hao、Liao Kuei‐Min、Wu Huai‐Hui、Tu Wu‐Chun、Lin Ying‐Hsi
    • Journal Title

      Medical and Veterinary Entomology

      Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Pages: 99-107

    • DOI

      10.1111/mve.12692

    • Related Report
      2023 Research-status Report
    • Peer Reviewed
  • [Journal Article] Reassessing the presence of alien predatory mites and their prospects in the face of future climate change2023

    • Author(s)
      Liao Jhih‐Rong、Chiu Ming‐Chih、Kuo Mei‐Hwa
    • Journal Title

      Pest Management Science

      Volume: 79 Issue: 12 Pages: 5186-5196

    • DOI

      10.1002/ps.7722

    • Related Report
      2023 Research-status Report
    • Peer Reviewed
  • [Journal Article] Milestones and future directions in the Taxonomy of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Taiwan2023

    • Author(s)
      Liao Jhih-Rong, Ho Chyi-Chen, Ko Chiun-Cheng
    • Journal Title

      Formosan Entomologist

      Volume: 43 Pages: 15-23

    • Related Report
      2023 Research-status Report
    • Peer Reviewed
  • [Journal Article] Joint influence of architectural and spatiotemporal factors on the presence of <i>Aedes aegypti</i> in urban environments2023

    • Author(s)
      Liao Jhih‐Rong、Tu Wu‐Chun、Chiu Ming‐Chih、Kuo Mei‐Hwa、Cheng Hui‐Ching、Chan Chia‐Chun、Dai Shu‐Mei
    • Journal Title

      Pest Management Science

      Volume: 79 Issue: 11 Pages: 4367-4375

    • DOI

      10.1002/ps.7634

    • Related Report
      2023 Research-status Report
  • [Journal Article] Lanternflies (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) of Taiwan2023

    • Author(s)
      You-Sheng Lin, Jhih-Rong Liao*, Shiuh-Feng Shiao, Chiun-Cheng Ko
    • Journal Title

      Zoological Studies

      Volume: 67 Pages: 1-37

    • Related Report
      2022 Annual Research Report
    • Peer Reviewed / Open Access / Int'l Joint Research
  • [Presentation] Limited expansion of the invasive European red mite in Taiwan is constrained by climate change2023

    • Author(s)
      Liao Jhih‐Rong
    • Organizer
      The 32nd Annual Meeting of the Acarological Society of Japan, Sapporo, Japan
    • Related Report
      2023 Research-status Report

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Published: 2022-11-17   Modified: 2024-12-25  

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