Seven species in the shot hole borer genus Euwallacea occur in Australia. The most infamous of these is the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus), first detected in Perth in 2021 and now the subject of an intensive eradication program.
A related species, the tea shot hole borer (TSHB), occurs in eastern Australia. Large gaps exist in our knowledge of its ecology (including host range and impact), and in its relationship to PSHB. A better taxonomic understanding of these species is integral for accurate assessment of the biosecurity status and appropriate management of both PSHB & TSHB.
Aim: The Euwallacea fornicatus species complex is a group of ambrosia beetle species known for their significant ecological and economic impacts worldwide. This PhD project aims to comprehensively investigate the members of this complex, and their relatives, in Australia, by employing an integrative approach combining molecular genetics, morphology, ecology, and novel approaches such as bioacoustics, to elucidate species boundaries, understand ecological interactions, and develop novel diagnostic tools.
While the focus is on the E. fornicatus complex, scope exists to potentially apply these approaches to other species complexes in the genus that are in similar need of resolution.
Meet the PhD student for this project
Giullia De Freitas Rossi
“I have a master’s degree in Zoology, and my research was focused on Arachnids.
“My PhD project involves taxonomy and ecology of a group of pest beetles called Euwallacea fornicatus complex. It’s essential to be able to identify this species to elaborate biosecurity protocols.
“Outside of research I like to enjoy nature, read, and be surrounded by friends. I am excited about the perspectives of this project, and future taxonomic contribution of it.”
Supervisors and advisors
Associate Professor Megan Head, The Australian National University.
Dr Mark Schutze, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Justin Bartlett (M. Ent.), Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Approach
The project includes a combination of some of the following:
- Integrative Taxonomy: Expand genetic analysis beyond COI to multiple genes to refine the phylogenetic relationships within the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex and incorporate complimentary lines of evidence to enhance species delineation.
- Field Collections: Conduct field collections to assess the distribution and host associations of Euwallacea spp. in eastern Australia.
- Diagnostic development: Use advanced imaging techniques to generate high resolution images of beetles and apply geometric morphometric methods to analyse shape variation to develop diagnostic tools for species identification.
- Ecology: Explore the association of Euwallacea spp. with their symbiotic fungi.
- Behaviour: Investigate the potential role of acoustic communication in mate recognition across these cryptic species.
Want to know more? Email giullia.defreitasrossi@anu.edu.au.