University of Connecticut OpenCommons@UConn Doctoral Dissertations University of Connecticut Graduate School 5-5-2017 Resolving the Systematics of Acronictinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the Evolution of Larval Defenses, and Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae Brigette Zacharczenko University of Connecticut, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://opencommons.uconn.edu/dissertations Recommended Citation Zacharczenko, Brigette, "Resolving the Systematics of Acronictinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the Evolution of Larval Defenses, and Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae" (2017). Doctoral Dissertations. 1482. https://opencommons.uconn.edu/dissertations/1482 Resolving the Systematics of Acronictinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the Evolution of Larval Defenses, and Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae Brigette Valencia Zacharczenko, PhD University of Connecticut, 2017 Moths and caterpillars of the noctuid genus Acronicta Oschenheimer, 1816, widely known as dagger moths, have captured the imagination of taxonomists for centuries. Morphologically enigmatic adults and highly variable larvae prompted A. R. Grote to proclaim, "There would seem to be no genus which offers a more interesting field to the biologist for exploration," (1895). Without known synapomorphies for Acronicta, or the subfamily Acronictinae, their circumscriptions have changed over time. This dissertation delves into the taxonomic history of these taxa, setting the stage for a worldwide phylogenetic analysis of Acronictinae. The diversity of larval forms is considered in a tri-trophic framework, quantifying bottom up (host plant) and top down (predator) effects through measures of diet breadth, morphology, and behavior, all in a phylogenetic context. Adult courtship structures, present in some acronictine species, are scored across the family Noctuidae, to aid in the study of the evolution of complex morphological traits. Resolving the Systematics of Acronictinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the Evolution of Larval Defenses, and Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae Brigette Valencia Zacharczenko B.S., McGill University, 2010 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut 2017 i Copyright by Brigette Valencia Zacharczenko 2017 ii APPROVAL PAGE Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Resolving the Systematics of Acronictinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the Evolution of Larval Defenses, and Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae Presented by Brigette Valencia Zacharczenko, B.S. Major Advisor ___________________________________________________________________ David L. Wagner Associate Advisor ___________________________________________________________________ Elizabeth Jockusch Associate Advisor ___________________________________________________________________ Chris Simon Associate Advisor ___________________________________________________________________ Michael Singer University of Connecticut 2017 iii Acknowledgments I blame most of this on my father, Nicholas, who always says “use your head”. He told me at an early age that catching bugs could be a career, and I believed him. Also culpable is my mother, Sherelyn, who only weakly protested to me bringing insects and other creatures into the house. The remainder of my family has also supported this crazed adventure of mine wholeheartedly. I could not have survived graduate school without my wonderful friends, my patient committee members, and my soon-to-be husband Dillon. And of course, my advisor, Dave Wagner, who has always believed in me and supported me. I thank all of you for indulging me as I pursue this path. Acronicta falcula (Grote, 1877) iv Table of Contents Chapter 1: Taxonomic History of Acronictinae and Acronicta ...................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Section 1: Acronictinae ............................................................................................................... 2 Section 2: Acronicta .................................................................................................................. 35 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... 51 References ................................................................................................................................. 51 Tables and Figures .................................................................................................................... 59 Chapter 2: Systematics and Phylogeny of Acronictinae ............................................................... 67 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 67 Methods ..................................................................................................................................... 69 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 76 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 83 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... 93 References ................................................................................................................................. 94 Tables and Figures .................................................................................................................. 100 Supplementary Figures ............................................................................................................ 113 Chapter 3: Defensive behaviors of Acronicta larvae in response to a potential predator (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) and forceps pinch tests ............................................................... 138 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 138 Methods ................................................................................................................................... 140 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 147 Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 149 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 157 References ............................................................................................................................... 157 Tables and Figures .................................................................................................................. 160 Chapter 4: Diet Breadth and the Evolution of Larval Defensive Morphology and Behavior in Acronicta ..................................................................................................................................... 174 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 174 Methods ................................................................................................................................... 177 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 185 v Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 190 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 198 References ............................................................................................................................... 198 Tables and Figures .................................................................................................................. 204 Supplementary Tables and Figures ......................................................................................... 227 Chapter 5: Tracking the Gain/Loss of Complex Courtship Structures in Noctuidae ................. 241 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 241 Methods ................................................................................................................................... 246 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 250 Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 259 Acknowledgements 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