Topic: A plant-centred macroevolutionary approach to studying the evolution of plant-insect interactions: the case of legumes and seed-predatory beetles.
Dates: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027
CBGP supervisor: G. Kergoat
University: University of Montpellier, ED Gaia

Interactions between angiosperms and plant-eating insects are a major driving force in the evolution of terrestrial biodiversity. This PhD project explores the evolution of these interactions using legumes (Fabaceae) and two groups of specialised herbivorous insects as models: ladybirds (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) and weevils (Curculionidae: Apioninae and Curculioninae pro part.). The aim is to determine how the evolution of plant defences in response to pressure from herbivorous insects has affected the current diversity of associations between legumes and these two groups.