UK Lepidoptera are arguably the best studied and characterised group of invertebrates in the world. Our understanding of historical and contemporary geographic ranges, phenology, and ecological traits of British moths is probably unparalleled in any other invertebrate group. Nevertheless, this is not a simple insect community. There are over 500 species of ‘macro’ moth in the UK, and this diverse group shared a common ancestor more than 100 million years ago. Among these species are important pollinators, keystone ecosystem food sources for other wildlife, and damaging crop pests.
As part of a NERC funded grant titled “What determines the virome: ecology and the environment, evolution, or species history?” we will use a ‘snapshot’ of the UK moths and their viruses to tease apart the relative importance of the different factors that shape the virus community.
This work is in collaboration Darren Obbard at the University of Edinburgh and with project partners Butterfly Conservation, working with their head of science Richard Fox. We also have three artist residencies linked to the project with long term collaborators Amber and Dave at Then Try This – see the outreach page for more info.
Ben Longdon 