Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108
Performing Department
Entomology
Non Technical Summary
The two general objectives of this project are to discover and document biological diversity that is still unknown (or poorly described) in the tiger moth (Arctiidae) and cutworm moth (Noctuidae) families. These insects are chosen because they represent a significant component of the insects that occur in our forests, prairies, grasslands and other land areas. These moths, especially their caterpillars, are often a key component of food chains - consumed by vertebrates and other insects. The assessment of environmental roles connects with National initiatives on identifying pollinators and creating identification tools for distinguishing native and non-native species.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
0%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The two general objectives of this project are: 1. Conduct systematic studies of tiger moths (Arctiidae: Noctuoidea); 2. Conduct systematic studies of Lepidoptera, with a focus on Noctuoidea. These focal taxa are chosen because they represent a significant component of the terrestrial insect fauna, and as such, are often consumed by vertebrates and other insects. The assessment of environmental roles connects with National initiatives on identifying pollinators and creating identification tools for distinguishing native and non-native species.For objectives 1 and 2, clarification of Noctuoidea phylogenetic relationships is essential for accurate identification and assessing their environmental role. For objective 1, I am focusing on four sub-objectives, 1A. preliminary molecular studies of Lithosiinae (lichenivorous tiger moths) who are potential bioindicators in terrestrial ecosystems; 1B. a genomics study of Arctiinae (tiger moths); 1C. analysis of tiger moth plant host associations, defense and mating modes within this framework; and 1D. continued development of the research program on the systematics of Arctiinae with an emphasis on the genera Euchaetes, Viviennea, and Ormetica. For objective 2, I am focusing on the systematic relationships of quadrifine noctuids in collaboration with the lab of Dr. Wahlberg (U. Turku Finland), Dr. Zaspel (Purdue U.) and Dr. Kawahara (U of Florida). Continued MAES/Department funding is necessary to support morphological work (supplies), collaboration through travel (National meetings), and dissemination of results (page charges).
Project Methods
The proposed approach uses morphological, biological, biogeographical and molecular data to classify and characterize difficult species limits, and resolve relationships among higher taxa (genera, tribes, etc). To generate these data, specimens are borrowed from museum and frozen tissue collections and these materials are supplemented by field work in collaboration with colleagues nationally and internationally. Data are collected using a variety of visualization techniques for morphology (light microscopy, SEM) and molecular sequencing of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Resulting data are analyzed within a phylogenetic framework using appropriate methods for the taxonomic level (population, species, higher level) and for data type. For morphological data, parsimony and Bayesian-based methods are employed, and for molecular data model-based methods are employed (e.g., maximum likelihood, Bayesian, coalescent-based approaches). Whenever possible, a total evidence approach (multiple data sets of nuclear and mitochrondrial genes, morphology of adults and immature stages) are employed. Results will be disseminated through papers, monographs and the web (e.g., Encyclopedia of Life, Tree of Life, Barcodes of Life, Genbank). Traditional specimen and frozen tissue vouchers will be deposited in the UMSP Insect Collection, University of Minnesota (St. Paul), Purdue University (frozen tissues) and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum collection.