Systematics

Systematic research in my program has largely focused on molecular phylogenetics though my students and I have worked closely with expert morphologist to incorporate morphological characters in specific cases.   Projects over the years have included studies of some of the most controversial topics in insect systematics.  These include evolutionary relationships among insect orders, the origin of butterflies, and family relationships among various moths groups and butterflies.    

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Selected Relevant Publications

Murray, D. & D. P. Prowell.  2005. Molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary history of the neotropical satyrine subtribe Euptychiina (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae).  Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution 34: 67-80. PDF copy.

Weller, S.J., D.P. Pashley, & J.A. Martin. 1996. Reassessment of butterfly family relationships using independent genes and morphology. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 89: 184-192.

Weller, S.J. & D.P. Pashley. 1995. In search of butterfly origins. Mol. Phyl. Evol. 4: 235-246.

Weller, S.J., D.P. Pashley, J.A. Martin, & J.L. Constable. 1994. Phylogeny of noctuoid moths and the utility of combining independent nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Syst. Biol. 43: 194-211.

Pashley, D.P., B.A. McPheron, & E.A. Zimmer. 1993. Systematics of holometabolous insect orders based on 18S rRNA. Mol. Phyl. Evol. 2: 132-142.

Weller, S.J., T.P. Friedlander, J.A. Martin & D.P. Pashley. 1992. Phylogenetic studies of ribosomal variation in higher moths and butterflies. Mol. Phyl. Evol. 1:312-337.

Pashley, D.P. & L.-D. Ke. 1992. Sequence evolution in mitochondrial ribosomal and ND-1 genes in Lepidoptera: implications for phylogenetic analyses. Mol. Biol. Evol. 9: 1061-1075.