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

Weevil species exhibit high variability in plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), with 13 families identified and convergent reductions in fungivorous taxa.

• Why it matters: Understanding PCWDE evolution in weevils is crucial because these enzymes enable herbivorous beetles to access plant nutrients, yet their evolutionary history remains largely unknown.
• What they did: Researchers analyzed transcriptomes and genomes of 45 weevil species, revealing PCWDE diversity, gene family dynamics driven by larval and adult herbivory, and horizontal gene transfer events.
• The result: Findings suggest that gene duplications, losses, and HGT have shaped PCWDE diversity, supporting the ecological success and dietary specialization of weevils.