Projects

Current Projects

1. Determination of Iridescent Percentage on Wings of Nymphalid Butterflies across Elevation Gradient



Principal Investigator: Dr. Juliette Rubin

Project Description: This project aims to investigate the relationship between the iridescent percentage on wings of nymphalid butterflies and their elevational range. Our team is assisting Dr. Juliette Rubin in this research by:

- Identifying whether species exhibit iridescence or not
- Quantifying the percentage of iridescence when present
- Digitizing the species marked by Dr. Rubin

This project will contribute to a better understanding of the correlation between iridescence and elevation in nymphalid butterflies, shedding light on the ecological and evolutionary implications of this phenomenon. We are using specimens from McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity for this.

2. Determination of the Presence of Hemiargus hanno (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in North America based on Molecular Analysis



Principal Investigators: Sajan KC & Anisha Sapkota

This research project aims to investigate the presence of Hemiargus hanno in North America, specifically in the southern United States, including Florida. Our hypothesis is that Hemiargus hanno and H. ceraunus are sympatric in certain regions, and we are using molecular analysis to test this hypothesis.

- Determine whether individuals with a single tornal spot on the underside of the hindwing (UnHW) represent H. hanno
- Determine whether individuals with multiple spots (2-3) on the UnHW tornal space represent H. ceraunus

By clarifying the distribution and identification of these species, this project will contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of North American butterflies. We are using specimens from McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity for this.

3. Project: Determination of the Distribution of Icaricia acmon and I. lupine (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Western USA



Butterfly in the image is Icaricia lupine

Principal Investigators: Sajan KC & Anisha Sapkota

This research project aims to investigate the distribution range of Icaricia acmon and I. lupine in the western United States. We will examine the male genitalia and external morphological characteristics to determine consistent differences that can reliably distinguish between these taxa.

- Determine the distribution range of Icaricia acmon and I. lupine in different parts of the western USA
- Investigate the presence of I. acmon in areas east of California and its sympatry with I. lupine in New Mexico
- Verify the morphological differences between the two species, including: - Cell spots on the underside of the forewing (UnFW): I. lupine typically has two boldly joined cell spots, while I. acmon has only one faint cell spot
- Margin color on the upperside of the forewing (UpFW): I. acmon has a bold pink margin, while I. lupine has an orange margin

By clarifying the distribution and identification of these species, this project will contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of western US butterflies. We are using specimens from McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity for this.

4. Determination of Male Genitalic Differences in Atrytonopsis margarita and A. python (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)



Principal Investigators: Sajan KC & Anisha Sapkota

Project Description: Contrary to Burns (2015), who suggested that the male genitalia of Atrytonopsis margarita and A. python are indistinguishable, our preliminary data indicate that there are distinct differences between the two species in male genitalia. We hypothesize that the cucullus (a male genital structure) of A. python is flat, whereas that of A. margarita is rounded. This project aims to confirm and describe these differences using specimens from the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, providing a new means of differentiating between these species based on male genitalia characteristics.

5. Study of the Diversity and Abundance of Butterflies in Gainesville, Florida



Principal Investigators: Sajan KC & Anisha Sapkota

Project Description: This multi-year project aims to investigate the diversity and abundance of butterflies in Gainesville, Florida. Every weekend, we visit various locations throughout the city, recording and counting butterfly species. This data will yield valuable insights into the current status of various species in Gainesville, enabling us to compare it with past results, tracking changes and trends over time, and establish a reference point for future research, facilitating the assessment of urbanization's impact on local biodiversity. By analyzing this data, we will gain a deeper understanding of how urbanization affects the distribution, abundance, and diversity of butterfly species in city areas, informing effective conservation strategies and contributing to the preservation of these vital pollinators.

Objectives
- Assess the diversity and abundance of butterfly species in Gainesville
- Compare current data with past results to determine trends in abundance and diversity
- Record the biology and natural history of different species to inform conservation efforts
- Establish a baseline dataset for future research and monitoring
- Contribute to the conservation of butterfly species in Gainesville and beyond

By conducting this research, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological dynamics of butterfly populations in Gainesville and inform efforts to protect and preserve these important pollinators.