Projects
GRAC
Biodiversity and molecular evolutionary studies of leaf-mining moths in the Afrotropical region (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae)
Developing a modern research infrastructure on the Afrotropical insect fauna demands a multidisciplinary approach encompassing evolutionary, ecological, and taxonomic research and conservation issues, which can only be solved by establishing an international collaborative network. Unresolved tasks to create a modern taxonomy of Afrotropical Lepidoptera are so vast that a model group has been chosen, for which great progress has already been made in establishing a described species catalogue. We believe that the selected target group can reflect patterns of macro- and microevolution in this region and can address fundamental questions, including the spread of invasive species. We chose the family Gracillariidae as a model system. With 1848 species described, it is one of the most species-rich families of Lepidoptera. Although the faunistics, alpha taxonomy and autecology of these micro moths are reasonably well understood in the Holarctic region, very little is known in the Afrotropics where a vast number of species probably remains undescribed.
The overall goal of this project proposal is to study patterns and processes underlying the biodiversity of the Afrotropical Gracillariidae fauna and their host plant use. To this end, comprehensive genetic, ecological, morphological, and biogeographical data sets are needed for a representative sample of species. These newly generated data would allow us to answer a series of fundamental evolutionary questions on the diversification of Afrotropical Gracillariidae and relationships between these leaf-miners and their host-plants. The resulting molecular data in particular will allow reconstruction of phylogenies and can help to revise the alpha taxonomy and systematics of the studied groups. Molecular barcode data obtained also from freshly collected Afrotropical insect material at the RMCA can also be used to delimit species boundaries. Chemical communication studies on Afrotropical Gracillariidae will be integrated as well. With this integrated approach, opportunities are presented for collaboration with the international DNA-barcoding programme and Tree of Life projects. Biodiversity data obtained within the planned research will be digitized, catalogued and published on the internet.
To reach the objectives of the project proposal, a partnership network is suggested and the collaborative compilation of data and data-analysis is discussed.
Principal investigator:
- Jurate De Prins
Dates:
2009 2012Museum staff:
- Jurate De Prins
- Marc De Meyer