Taxonomic study of Eurasian smaller moths with reference to the genetic diversity

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25871181
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Insect science; Biodiversity/Systematics
• Research Institution: National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Jinbo Utsugi 独立行政法人国立科学博物館, 動物研究部, 研究主幹 (10568281)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 昆虫分類学 / DNAバーコード

Outline of Final Research Achievements

DNA barcoding is a method for species identification using DNA sequences. Towards the practical use of DNA barcoding, various information for accurate species identification is indispensable. This study is focused on the tortricid moths, a group of smaller moths, especially species widely distributed in Eurasian region. Each species was taxonomically reviewed based on DNA barcode sequences and morphological characters. As a result, this study revealed the presence of overlooked genetic differences between European and Asian populations in some species, which lead to new taxonomic studies. Taxonomists can contribute the accurate identification and practical use of DNA barcoding, providing new knowledge on taxonomic studies and corrections of errors in the DNA barcode library.

Free Research Field

昆虫分類学、生物多様性情報学