There are several broad goals of the proposed research. The first is to produce a molecular phylogeny of 18 superfamilies of the more advanced groups of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) and of various groups (families and subfamilies) within two of the most conspicuous and widely studied superfamilies, true butterflies and noctuoid moths. Second, by assessing the nature and rate of evolution of mitochondrial and nuclear genes the research will contribute to the fields of molecular biology and evolution. This research is of fundamental importance not only because it will contribute new insights into the systematics of Lepidoptera, but because it will provide a framework for inferences about evolution, biogeography, and speciation. To resolve phylogenetic relationships at higher taxonomic levels in Lepidoptera, a molecular viewpoint is required because of the paucity of morphological structures that define groups. For example, butterflies have undergone a tremendous amount of adaptive radiation but exhibit few unique biological characteristics that link them with any particular moth group. At least six moth groups have been proposed to be butterfly ancestors. A molecular phylogeny should resolve these unanswered questions about the origin of butterflies.
