RADseq for Omocestus subgenus Omocestus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The goal of this project is to integrate next generation sequencing (NGS) data, detailed phenotypic information, and spatial modelling to infer the processes shaping patterns of genetic, ecological and phenotypic divergence at different evolutionary scales. This project uses as model system a recent evolutionary radiation of montane grasshoppers (genus Omocestus, subgenus Omocestus) to understand the consequences of past climatic changes and the role of geography, environment and adaptation processes on determining 1) species diversification and 2) regional and local intraspecific patterns of genomic and phenotypic variation. Thus, this project aims to track the diversification process from those stages that shape early genetic and phenotypic divergence at small spatiotemporal scales through the speciation end, both of which are well represented in this species complex composed by several recently diverged taxa with contrasting ecological and habitat requirements.