Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera (Contemporary Topics in Entomology)

Numerous and charismatic, the Lepidoptera is one of the most widely studied groups of invertebrates. Advances in molecular tools and genomic techniques have reduced the need for large sizes and mass-rearing, and lepidopteran model systems are increasingly used to illuminate broad-based experimental questions as well as those peculiar to butterflies and moths. Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera presents a wide-ranging collection of studies on the Lepidoptera, treating them as specialized insects with distinctive features and as model systems for carrying out cutting-edge research. Leading researchers provide an evolutionary framework for placing moths and butterflies on the Tree of Life. The book covers progress in deciphering the silkworm genome and unraveling lepidopteran sex chromosomes. It features new information on sex determination, evolution, and the development of butterfly wing patterns, eyes, vision, circadian clocks, chemoreceptors, and sexual communication. The contributors discuss the genetics and molecular biology of plant host range and prospects for controlling the major crop pest genus Helicoverpa. They also explore the rise of insecticide resistance, the innate immune response, lepidopteran minihosts for testing human pathogens and antibiotics, and the use of intrahemocoelic toxins for control. The book concludes with coverage of polyDNA virus-carrying parasitoid wasps, and the cloning of the first virus resistance gene in the silkworm. Understanding the biology and genetics of butterflies and moths may lead to new species-selective methods of control, saving billions of dollars in pesticide use and protecting environmental and human health―making the sections on strategies for pest management extremely important. This book will open up new paths to the research literature for a broad audience, including entomologists, evolutionary and systematic biologists, geneticists, physiologists, biochemists, and molecular biologists. Evolutionary Framework For Lepidoptera Model Systems / Amanda D. Roe [and Others] -- Recent Progress In Silkworm Genetics And Genomics / Marian R. Goldsmith -- Rise And Fall Of The W Chromosome In Lepidoptera / Frantisek Marec, Ken Sahara, And Walther Traut -- Sex Chromosomes And Sex Determination In Bombyx Mori / Hiroaki Abe, Tsuguru Fujii, And Toru Shimada -- Evolutionary And Developmental Genetics Of Butterfly Wing Patterns: Focus On Bicyclus Anynana Eyespots / Patricia Beldade And Suzanne V. Saenko -- Prospects For Locating Adaptive Genes In Lepidopteran Genomes: A Case Study Of Butterfly Color Patterns / Simon W. Baxter [and Others] -- Molecular And Physiological Innovations Of Butterfly Eyes / Marilou P. Sison-mangus And Adriana D. Briscoe -- Lepidopteran Circadian Clocks: From Molecules To Behavior / Christine Merlin And Steven M. Reppert -- Lepidopteran Chemoreceptors / Kevin W. Wanner And Hugh M. Robertson -- Sexual Communication In Lepidoptera: A Need For Wedding Genetics, Biochemistry, And Molecular Biology / Fred Gould [and Others] -- Genetics Of Host Range In Lepidoptera / Sara J. Oppenheim And Keith R. Hopper -- Genetics And Molecular Biology Of The Major Crop Pest Genus Helicoverpa / Karl Gordon [and Others] -- Molecular Genetics Of Insecticide Resistance In Lepidoptera / David G. Heckel -- Innate Immune Responses Of Manduca Sexta / Michael R. Kanost And James B. Nardi -- Lepidopterans As Model Mini-hosts For Human Pathogens And As A Resource For Peptide Antibiotics / Andreas Vilcinskas -- Intrahemocoelic Toxins For Lepidopteran Pest Management / Nina Richtman Schmidt And Bryony C. Bonning -- The Interactions Between Polydnavirus-carrying Parasitoids And Their Lepidopteran Hosts / Michael R. Strand -- Densovirus Resistance In Bombyx Mori / Keiko Kadono-okuda. Edited By Marian R. Goldsmith, František Marec. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Numerous and charismatic, the Lepidoptera is one of the most widely studied groups of invertebrates. Advances in molecular tools and genomic techniques have reduced the need for large sizes and mass-rearing, and lepidopteran model systems are increasingly used to illuminate broad-based experimental questions as well as those peculiar to butterflies. Putting the spotlight on the second most numerous order of insects living today, this book provides a summary of cutting-edge studies of the Lepidoptera as an organism in and of itself and as model systems. Leading researchers discuss symbiosis, genomes, sex determination, natural products, ecophysiology, sensory systems, pest control, the sterile insect technique, immunity, and evolution development. Understanding the biology and genetics of butterflies and moths may lead to new species-selective methods of control, saving billions of dollars in pesticide use and protecting environmental and human health, making the sections on pest control and the sterile insect technique extremely important. A collection of studies on the Lepidoptera. It provides an evolutionary framework for placing moths and butterflies on the Tree of Life. It features information on sex determination, evolution, and the development of butterfly wing patterns, eyes, vision, circadian clocks, chemoreceptors, and sexual communication.