highlights

publications

The identity of (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera, Pyraloidea, Crambinae), synonyms, and related species revealed by morphology and DNA capture in type specimens.

In this study the aim was to resolve the taxonomy of several species of Hübner (Pyraloidea, Crambinae) with previously unrecognised morphological variation. By analysing the DNA barcode (COI-5P) in numerous specimens, the aim was to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships between species, to provide better evidence for synonymies, and to circumscribe their geographical distribution. Using an innovative DNA hybridisation capture protocol, the DNA barcode of the lectotype of (Fabricius, 1794) was partially recovered for comparison with the 229 DNA barcode sequences of specimens available in the Barcode of Life Datasystems, and this firmly establishes the identity of the species. The same protocol was used for the following type specimens: the (Walker, 1859) holotype, thus confirming the synonymy of this name with , the holotype of (Zeller, 1863), , the holotype of Dyar, 1914, newly synonymised with , and a specimen of Dyar, 1913, collected in 1992. In addition, nine specimens of , , Dyar, 1914 and Dyar, 1915, from North to South America were sampled using classical COI amplification and Sanger sequencing. Dyar, described from Bermuda, is the name to be applied to the more widespread North American species formerly identified as . Following morphological study of its holotype, Butler, 1878, is also synonymised with . The name Hübner, 1818, is considered a nomen dubium associated with . The adult morphology is diagnosed and illustrated, and distributions are plotted for , , , and based on slightly more than 800 specimens. For the first time, DNA barcode sequences are provided for the Antillean . This work provides a modified, improved protocol for the efficient hybrid capture enrichment of DNA barcodes from 18 and 19 century type specimens in order to solve taxonomic issues in Lepidoptera.

news

The secret behind the Nikon Photomicrography 1st prize revealed

We publish today a new method that provides unmatched visualisation of collagen 3D network architecture.

events

Revisiting the plant immune system from an evolutionary point of view

21.06.2023 11:15, A100 (Sciences II)

Hirofumi Nakagami (Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne).
hosted by: Roman Ulm.

Research

Our department hosts 12 research laboratories gathering close to 200 scientists, engineers and technical staff. Research topics cover a large variety of topics, such as developmental genetics and neurogenetics, regeneration, evo-devo, physics of biology, phylogenetics or anthropology.

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Education

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Department of Genetics and Evolution
Quai Ernest-Ansermet, 30
1205 Geneva
Switzerland

office: 4002A
T: +41 22 379 67 85

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