Human‐mediated eco‐evolutionary processes of the herbivorous insect Hyalopterus arundiniformis during the Holocene

Abstract

AbstractAimPleistocene climatic fluctuations have been identified as a dominant factor in evolutionary and ecological processes underlying contemporary species distribution. In contrast, anthropogenic activity during the Holocene has been largely neglected in phylogeographic inference. Here, by integrating archaeological evidence, phylogeographic analyses and a climatic niche‐based approach, the role of Holocene human activity in determining the evolutionary trajectory of insect pests is investigated using Hyalopterus arundiniformis (HAR) as a model.LocationEurasia.MethodsWe compiled archaeological records and historical data for the host plant (i.e. peach) of HAR. Phylogeographic structure, genetic diversity and gene flow were estimated. Historical demographic dynamics were explored using coalescent‐based analyses. The origin and dispersal history were assessed using an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach. The changes in climatic niche breadth during geographic expansion were evaluated via niche comparison analyses.ResultsOur results revealed that HAR originated in Southwest China and dispersed to Southeast and Northwest China, and it was then introduced to western Eurasia from Northwest China. The climatic niche shifted significantly with range expansions, and niche expansion explained the largest proportion of niche dynamics. Population size expansion occurred in the Holocene and coincided with the domestication and trans‐Eurasian trade of peach.Main conclusionsThe geographic range, effective population size and climatic niche breadth of HAR expanded following the human‐mediated dispersal of its host plant during the Holocene. Our results highlight that the expansion of Neolithic agriculture and trans‐Eurasian crop exchange along ancient communication routes may have played an important role in shaping the distribution and demographic dynamics of herbivorous insects. This study also provides essential information for pest management and biological invasions.