SIMMONS LABORATORY
PEOPLE:
Rebecca Simmons (Becky): Lab PI
Matt Flom: Undergraduate Lab Assistant
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Phylogeny of the Ctenuchini and Euchromiini: This project seeks to form multi-gene molecular phylogeny for the tiger moth mimics. Currently, we are sequencing the D1 region of 28S, cytochrome oxidase I (COI), and cytochrome b. We will soon be adding Elongation Factor 1 alpha to this dataset.
Molecular identification of pest noctuids of southern California, USA: This project, funded by USDA/NRI/CSREES, seeks to sample multiple individuals of noctuine (Noctuidae) populations in Southern California. This sampling will result in a COI sequence library, supplemented by morphological images, that will be used in identification of pest noctiunes. With this baseline information, detection of invasive noctuine will be facilitated.
Systematics of the Copitarsia decolora pest complex: This project is examining the intraspecific relationships of the Central and South American pest, Copitarsia decolora, to resolve species limits and identify morphologically cryptic species.
Molecular phylogeny of Schinia (Noctuidae: Heliothiinae): In collaboration with Dr. Michael Pogue (USDA/ARS/PSI/Systematic Entomology Laboratory), we are constructing a molecular phylogeny of Schinia with COI to examine species limits and relationships.
Molecular phylogeny of tortricid tribes: We are constructing a molecular phylogeny of tribal relationships within the Tortricidae, using COI and EF1-alpha. This work is a collaborative effort with Drs. John Brown (USDA/ARS/PSI/Systematic Entomology Laboratory), Marianne Horak (CSIRO), Jerrry Powell (University of California, Berkley), and Felix Sperling (University of Alberta).
The effect of wild pigs on arthropod diversity in Californian oak woodlands: We are collaborating with the Sweitzer lab (Dept. of Biology, UND) to identify arthropods captured in pitfall traps during fencing experiments and matched controls.
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Sarah is always smiling, especially while keeping the Simmons lab organized and running.
Ken Drees, the sequencing technician, provides the final data for our projects.
Matt loves PCR (see his big smile)! It has become his new hobby, along with lab cleanup.
A rare photo of Becky working (at the Natural History Museum, London, UK).