Phylogeny & Evolution

We are reconstructing the phylogeny & evolution of beetles through analyses of large-scale molecular & morphological data sets.

Phylogeny & Evolution

We are reconstructing the phylogeny & evolution of beetles through analyses of large-scale molecular & morphological data sets.

Phylogeny & Evolution

We are reconstructing the phylogeny & evolution of beetles through analyses of large-scale molecular & morphological data sets.

Phylogeny & Evolution

We are reconstructing the phylogeny & evolution of beetles through analyses of large-scale molecular & morphological data sets.

Exemplar Genomes

We are producing genomic resources to facilitate comparative genomic, phylogenomic & evolutionary studies of beetles.

Exemplar Genomes

We are producing genomic resources to facilitate comparative genomic, phylogenomic & evolutionary studies of beetles.

Exemplar Genomes

We are producing genomic resources to facilitate comparative genomic, phylogenomic & evolutionary studies of beetles.

Exemplar Genomes

We are producing genomic resources to facilitate comparative genomic, phylogenomic & evolutionary studies of beetles.

Evolutionary Ecology

We are investigating the nature, ecology & evolution of host plant associations & chemically mediated interactions in phytophagous beetles. Funded in part by the USDA.

Evolutionary Ecology

We are investigating the nature, ecology & evolution of host plant associations & chemically mediated interactions in phytophagous beetles. Funded in part by the USDA.

Evolutionary Ecology

We are investigating the nature, ecology & evolution of host plant associations & chemically mediated interactions in phytophagous beetles. Funded in part by the USDA.

Evolutionary Ecology

We are investigating the nature, ecology & evolution of host plant associations & chemically mediated interactions in phytophagous beetles. Funded in part by the USDA.

1K Weevils Project

We are using molecular & morphological data to reconstruct the phylogeny & evolution of true weevils (Curculionidae; >51,000 species). Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

1K Weevils Project

We are using molecular & morphological data to reconstruct the phylogeny & evolution of true weevils (Curculionidae; >51,000 species). Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

1K Weevils Project

We are using molecular & morphological data to reconstruct the phylogeny & evolution of true weevils (Curculionidae; >51,000 species). Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

1K Weevils Project

We are using molecular & morphological data to reconstruct the phylogeny & evolution of true weevils (Curculionidae; >51,000 species). Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Diversity & Endemism

We are studying patterns of diversification & endemism in beetles, including geographic variation in host plant associations, with a focus on the Neotropics.

Diversity & Endemism

We are studying patterns of diversification & endemism in beetles, including geographic variation in host plant associations, with a focus on the Neotropics.

Diversity & Endemism

We are studying patterns of diversification & endemism in beetles, including geographic variation in host plant associations, with a focus on the Neotropics.

Diversity & Endemism

We are studying patterns of diversification & endemism in beetles, including geographic variation in host plant associations, with a focus on the Neotropics.

< >

Large-scale, integrated studies of insect systematics & biodiversityWe study the phylogeny and evolution of insects (especially beetles), including their interactions with plants, and geographic patterns of diversity and endemism. Our research employs molecular data from genomes and transcriptomes, morphological study of museum specimens, and field studies. In recognition of the impacts of habitat loss and climate change on biodiversity, many projects have conservation biological goals and implications.

Get Involved

If you have an idea for a collaborative project, or if you would like to discuss the possibility of getting involved in an existing project, contact Dr. McKenna.

Recent Highlights

The Asian longhorned beetle genome paper was recently published in Genome Biology and was featured in the journal Science (Editor's Choice).

Prospective Students/Postdocs

Seeking a lab in which to pursue a graduate degree or postdoc in insect (especially beetle) systematics, comparative genomics, ecology or evolution? Contact Dr. McKenna.