updated on July 30, 2009

The interactive Status Matrix tracks the progress of the molecular project, showing for each planned exemplar whether specimens have been obtained (column labelled Collected?), and the status for each of the 26 genes. The gene regions named here are defined and discussed, in the same order, in the Regier Lab primers and protocols [1]. The “sets” column refers to the successive batches in which the specimens are processed. Sets A through C’ are included in the pilot studies, as explained in Molecular Updates 1 & 2 [2]. The higher classification follows the authorities in the Kristensen (1998) Handbook, with occasional departures, as this is the initial hypothesis we seek to test. (The chief aberration is Noctuoidea, where we employ a mishmash of recent systems which, while arbitrary, is no more confusing than the current state of systematics in that group!) No special plug-ins are required to view the matrix.

View a Project Proposal [2]) cannot be specified a priori, but must be successively approximated in light of results as they are obtained. Therefore, some of the taxa now listed may not be sequenced, while others not presently listed may be added. It is unlikely that additional genes will be included, but design efficiency will probably dictate that many taxa be sequenced for only a subset of genes.