Dissertation Research: Phylogenetic relationships among Heliconiiti genera (Lep., Nymphalidae)

该项目将利用形态学（来自所有生命阶段）和分子（来自mtDNA基因组12S区域的序列数据）数据来解决两属西番槐蝴蝶的系统发育或种间关系模式。人们已经对这些迷人的昆虫进行了大量的研究，一个得到充分证实的系统发育将允许测试一些关于繁殖策略、寄主植物关联和模仿的假设。这些热带蝴蝶代表了研究捕食者躲避和其他重要行为生态学领域的模仿模式的重要模型系统。对这类蝴蝶物种间关系的充分了解，将有助于我们更好地理解它们的拟态、寄主植物关联和其他生物学特征。研究这些模型系统有助于我们理解昆虫类群及其在寄主植物关联中的转变，从而揭示寄主转变的机制，例如当作物的新害虫开始造成经济问题时发生的转变。＊＊＊

9321589 GILBERT This project will utilize both morphological (from all life stages) and molecular (sequence data from the 12S region of the mtDNA genome) data to address phylogeny or the pattern of relationships among species in two genera of passion-vine butterflies. Much research has already been done with these fascinating insects and a well substantiated phylogeny will allow testing of several hypotheses concerning reproductive strategies, host plant associations and mimicry. %%% These tropical butterflies represent an important model system for studying patterns of mimicry in predator avoidance and other important areas of behavioral ecology. Sound knowledge of the relationships among species in this group of butterflies will enhance understanding of mimicry, host plant associations and other features of their biology. Studying such model systems can contribute to our understanding of insect groups and their shifts in host plant associations, thereby shedding light on mechanisms of host shifts such as those that occur when new insect pests of crops begin posing economic problems. ***