Genetic diversity is one of the three essential levels of biodiversity which has a direct relevance to conservation efforts. In the last decade, various genetic approaches have become more accessible and been applied to address a wide range of ecological questions. Phylogeographic patterns (including the assessment of genetic diversity), however, were surprisingly rarely considered in studies focused on threatened saproxylic insects. Our work is thus focused on assessment of the population genetic structure and variation of several species of endangered saproxylic beetles in Europe (e.g. Rosalia alpina, Cerambyx cerdo, Osmoderma eremita/barnabita). For this purpose different molecular markers have been applied (usually a combination of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites). We expect that our findings will contribute to better understanding of ecology and the evolution history of studied species as well as they will be of great importance for designing more efficient conservation strategies.

Lukáš Drag, Lukáš Čížek, Alena Sucháčková

Phylogeography of the endangered saproxylic beetle Rosalia longicorn, Rosalia alpina (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), corresponds with its main host, the European beech (Fagus sylvatica, Fagaceae). Drag et al. 2018, Journal of Biogeography.

Successful reintroduction of an endangered veteran tree specialist: conservation and genetics of the Great Capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo). Drag and Čížek 2015, Conservation Genetics.

Genetic differentiation of populations of the threatened saproxylic beetle Rosalia longicorn, Rosalia alpina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Central and South-east Europe. Drag et al. 2015, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.

Development and characterization of ten polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Great Capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Drag et al. 2013, Conservation Genetics Resources.