9509174 REGIER This project will continue the efforts of the investigators to sequence protein encoding nuclear genes that will be informative about higher level relationships primarily among members of the superfamily Bombycoidea (Insecta: Lepidoptera), the silkmoths and their relatives. For their own purposes they are utilizing the sequence information to elucidate subfamily relationships in the large family Sphingidae (hawk moths and hornworms, such as the tobacco hornworm) and to resolve generic relationships within two tribes of Saturniinae (the giant silkmoths, such as the luna moth, cercropia moth, etc.), the Attacini and the Saturniini. In the process they are cloning Lepidoptera sequence for new genes that should be of utility to a broad community of researchers concerned with molecular phylogenetic analysis. %%% The insect order Lepidoptera, includes the butterflies, skippers, and moths. While adults of these insects include many aesthetically pleasing members sought after by collectors, the larvae or immature forms are much less desirable creatures. Many serious pests of crops, timber, stored products and even our clothing are Lepidoptera larvae. This project will provide information on relationships of major groups of Lepidoptera. Such information can be of value in testing hypotheses about changes in host plant use or associations, in efforts to explain how pests originate. It will enhance other research areas by allowing hypothesis testing about origins of model and mimic systems, host plant specificity, etc.. ***
