Supp_information.7z from Dynamic evolution of size and colour in the highly specialized Zodarion ant-eating spiders

Ecological specialists constitute relevant case studies for understanding the mechanisms, potential and limitations of evolution. The species-rich and strictly myrmecophagous spiders of the genus <i>Zodarion</i> show diversified defence mechanisms, including myrmecomorphy of different ant species and nocturnality. Using Hybridization Capture Using RAD Probes (hyRAD), a phylogenomic technique designed for sequencing poorly preserved specimens, we reconstructed a phylogeny of <i>Zodarion</i> using 52 (approx. a third of the nominal) species that cover its phylogenetic and distributional diversity. We then estimated the evolution of body size and colour, traits that have diversified noticeably and are linked to defence mechanisms, across the group. Our genomic matrix of 300 loci led to a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis that uncovered two main clades inside <i>Zodarion</i>. Ancestral state estimation revealed the highly dynamic evolution of body size and colour across the group, with multiple transitions and convergences in both traits, which we propose is likely indicative of multiple transitions in ant specialization across the genus. Our study will allow the informed targeted selection of <i>Zodarion</i> taxa of special interest for research into the group's remarkable adaptations to ant specialization. It also exemplifies the utility of hyRAD for phylogenetic studies using museum material.

生态特化类群是解析演化机制、演化潜力与演化局限的关键研究案例。物种丰富且专性食蚁的Zodarion属（Zodarion）蜘蛛具有多样的防御策略，包括针对不同蚂蚁类群的拟蚁态（myrmecomorphy）以及夜行性。本研究采用专为测序保存较差标本开发的RAD探针杂交捕获技术（hyRAD），以覆盖该属系统发育与分布多样性的52个物种（约为已命名物种总数的三分之一），重建了Zodarion属的系统发育树。随后，本研究对该类群的体型与体色演化进行了推断——这两类性状均发生了显著分化，且与防御策略密切相关。基于包含300个基因位点的基因组矩阵，我们得到了置信度良好的系统发育假说，揭示了Zodarion属内部存在两个主要演化支。祖先状态重建结果显示，该类群的体型与体色演化具有高度动态性，两类性状均发生了多次演化转换与趋同事件，我们推测这一现象或反映了该属在食蚁特化方向上的多次演化转变。本研究可为针对性选取具有特殊研究价值的Zodarion属类群提供依据，以深入解析该类群针对食蚁特化的精妙适应性。同时，本研究也验证了hyRAD技术在基于馆藏标本开展系统发育研究中的应用价值。