Ancient reverse colonization of Central America from the Caribbean in weevils of the Exophthalmus genus complex (Curculionidae: Entiminae)

In the current study, we investigated the biogeographic history of ~100 species of the Exophthalmus genus complex (Curculionidae: Entiminae) and outgroups, sampled from major Caribbean islands and Central America. Using six gene fragments (28S, 16S, 12S, COI, EF1-alpha and Arginine Kinase; >4,000 bp), we reconstructed a dated molecular phylogeny with fossil calibration points. Our model-based biogeographic analyses suggested a remarkable reverse colonization event of Central America from the Caribbean during the Miocene. We also analyzed inter-island biogeographic scenarios within the Caribbean and the history of the Central American radiation. The findings are discussed in the context of the longstanding debates on the origin of the Caribbean fauna and their relationship to the Neotropical mainland, focusing on two competing hypotheses: over-water dispersal and GAARlandia landspan (Greater Antilles + Aves Ridge).