Seminar will be given by Dr. Greg Curler, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi Entomological Museum.
Event will be held in E164 Lagomarcino Hall.
Abstract: Psychodidae is a morphologically diverse and numerically abundant family of true flies, some of which are vectors of human disease. Recent attempts to reconstruct the psychodid phylogeny have employed mainly DNA sequence data. Results from these studies highlight the need to reevaluate morphological characters as they pertain to both taxonomy and phylogeny. In order to interpret the morphology of Psychodidae and make accurate identifications and homology statements, complex illustrations are needed. Digital 3D models of pertinent characters are being developed for use in systematics research, with the potential to be adapted to other applications. Preliminary results of this work are discussed.
The ENT seminar series is coordinated by Greg Courtney and Rick Hellmich. Please contact either of us with questions related to speakers' visits.