Martin Kaltenpoth

Evolutionary dynamics of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes reflects feeding ecology in weevils

Abstract Many herbivorous beetles depend on plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) to access the nutritious plant cell content. However, the evolution of PCWDEs in weevils, the most diverse lineage of herbivores, remains poorly understood. Using transcriptomic and genomic ana...

Metabolic plasticity supports a flexible nutritional symbiosis in Cardiocondyla ants

Abstract Nutritional symbioses have repeatedly evolved in insects, yet how hosts regulate these partnerships to balance benefits across development and environments remains unclear. Ants provide an exceptional system to address this question, as several lineages maintain ancient...