LepTree will produce a “backbone” phylogeny estimate for the Lepidoptera by sequencing up to 26 protein-coding nuclear gene regions in 300 or more exemplars representing all 126 families. Detailed descriptions of all the gene regions, primers, and protocols being employed in this study are available online, and we welcome follow-up questions from other researchers.

As part of this effort, the evidence on fossil Lepidoptera will be reviewed and illustrated on-line, under the direction of Conrad Labandeira, and combined with the sequence data to estimate the ages of the major lineages.

The molecular study is testing the composite hypothesis of phylogeny assembled in the 1998 Handbook of Lepidoptera edited by N. P. Kristensen. Exemplar selection and acquisition of specimens is guided by a network of “Twig Leaders”(group experts)and other collaborators. Because it is impossible to specify in advance a gene X exemplar sampling scheme that will maximize the total progress supported by our resources, our sampling plan will be continuously updated in light of the latest results. The status matrix summarizes the latest version of the sampling plan, and the status of sequencing for each exemplar. Periodic progress updates are posted on the Results page.

Wing voucher images, when available, are being posted for all specimens sequenced. As an additional form of vouchering, all specimens sequenced, as well as any specimens serving as vouchers for these, are being barcoded through collaboration with the All-Leps: Barcode of Life project. In turn, the ATOLep collection is supplying additional material useful to the lep barcoding effort. Over 900 specimens total have been sent as of August 2007.

The specimens for our sequencing come from the ATOLep (Alcohol Tubes of Lepidoptera) Collection, intended as a permanent world resource for lepidopteran phylogenetics. We welcome contributions to and inquiries about use of this collection, which has already provided much material to other research groups. The additional material needed for the LepTree molecular project is summarized in the Wishlist.

The LepTree molecular study is intended to complement, and where possible assist, other projects of all kinds on lepidopteran phylogeny. We welcome discussion with other researchers on the ways in which our efforts and theirs can be synergistic.

We intend to produce a series of publications as we go, beginning with the pilot studies, rather than wait until all the data are compiled. Because we want our results to be as useful as possible to other researchers, we will also post them before publication, as soon as we are reasonably confident of what the data are telling us. Each publication will be co-authored by those Twig Leaders and other collaborators who have contributed significantly to that particular study.