WANTED for a DNA study. Any dead stage (eggs, caterpillars, pupae or moths) of Dendrolimus pini (Pine-tree Lappet moth) would be welcome. This moth has been found near Inverness, Scotland and is believed to be either a previously unrecorded native or a human mediated introduction via imported trees.Forest Research want to determine the origin of the Scottish moth by comparison of its DNA with that of D.pini sourced from Europe and other locations especially SE Russia and NW Asia. Dried specimens should be less than 20 years old and all specimens should be dead prior to transport. Even a badly damaged specimen, a detached appendage or body segment, or a single preserved egg will suffice - the key requirements are date and place of collection (at least country and year, but the more detail the better). Postage and summary expenses will be reimbursed.
The findings of the study will ultimately be published in scientific journals and your help will be acknowledged if requested. If you can help then please contact Roger Moore, Forest Research, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY, tel. 0131 445 6923, email roger.moore@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, to whom dead material may be sent.
Jon,
ReplyDeleteThe people you REALLY want to talk to here are the Rothamsted Experimental Station Insect Survey unit. In particular, you should ask for dead specimens obtained by the Rothamsted Insect Traps, of which there are a network all over the country. These are tungsten filament lamps with a carbon tetrachloride vapour trap below them; these kill the insects that they catch.
I did the first part of my PhD work at Rothamsted; they really are very friendly people, and are certain to assist you in this endeavour. If you have any hassle, let me know and I'll ask my former PhD supervisor there if he knows what is going on.