9615760 PIERCE The Miletinae, a subfamily of butterflies (Lepidoptera), currently contains many species that are predatory or parasitic. Most of these species prey on aphids, ants or scale insects, and several are used as biological control agents in different parts of the world. If the subfamily is monophyletic, then it represents the largest group of closely-related predatory and parasitic species within the Lepidoptera. In this research, Naomi Pierce will use molecular characters from both mitochondrial and nuclear genes to recontruct the phylogenetic relationships among the four tribes and thirteen genera of the Miletinae. The results should determine whether the subfamily is monophyletic, provide insight into how unusual feeding habits such as carnivory appeared among insects that, for the most part, eat plants, and why species with such unusual feeding habits have succeeded in this group of butterflies but not in others. The work will also contribute to our understanding of diversification within the butterfly family Lycaenidae, to which the Miletinae belongs.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9615760
Program Officer
Mary C. McKitrick
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1997-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1996
Total Cost
$80,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02138