Analysis of Morphology and Fauna of Geometrinae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) of the Caribbean Region

Author

David M. Plotkin

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Brown, Richard L.

Committee Member

Rawlins, John E.

Committee Member

Baker, Gerald T.

Committee Member

Goddard, Jerome

Date of Degree

12-14-2013

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Entomology and Plant Pathology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology

Abstract

The Geometrinae, commonly known as emerald moths, are a diverse group of Lepidoptera with over 450 Neotropical species. However, Caribbean Geometrinae have received relatively little attention compared to the Geometrinae of mainland Central and South America. Using the method of Lee and Brown (2006), whole body mounts of descaled specimens of both Caribbean and mainland Neotropical Geometrinae were prepared. Morphological variation of exo- and endoskeletal characters among species, genera, and tribes of Neotropical Geometrinae is described. A faunistic study of Caribbean Geometrinae was also conducted using material from museums and private collections. The study includes definitions of species of Caribbean Geometrinae, descriptions of new species, and illustrations of adult imagos, genitalia, and other external characters. A key to the species of Caribbean Geometrinae is also provided.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19630

Recommended Citation

Plotkin, David M., "Analysis of Morphology and Fauna of Geometrinae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) of the Caribbean Region" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 647.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/647