POWRE: Phylogenetic Relationships and Evolution of Light Signals in North American Fireflies (Lampyridae)

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

PI: Stanger-Hall, Kathrin INSTITUTION: Univ of Texas - Austin PROPOSAL: DEB 0074953 The P.I. proposed a project to develop a molecular phylogeny of the North American firefly taxa to study the evolution of their light signals. The proposed work has five parts: 1) develop a molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial & nuclear genes of extant Lampyridae; 2) map phenotypic data (light color and signal patterns) onto the phylogenetic tree; 3) determine whether certain light colors and patterns can be traced to a single origin; 4) test specific hypotheses on light signal evolution; and 5) investigate the molecular basis of light color evolution in Lampyridae. This PI will be able to initiate a new research program and this POWRE award will provide unique access to time and material for this project.