Choristoneura BOLD DNA tree
One segment of the genus Choristoneura is not only a pest for foresters but also taxonomists. Again, I think we deal with a very polymorphic group that is able to adapt to various conifers as they migrate into new areas or the trees, especially during the rapidly changing climates during the Pleistocene, take over areas with the moths following. This branch of the DNA tree from BOLD shows some of the specimens from this locality which have DNA sequences. All basically flying in late July and August. Although identical in DNA, assignment to a described speccies is not possible as these in general match all the following species: Choristoneura pinus, occidentalis, orae, biennis, lambertiana, fumiferana and possibly others. I will be breaking this down further but for now will call this group, Choristoneura fumiferana group or complex (= Choristoneura occidentalis group on the basis it seems by others to be representative currently until further taxonomic work is presented on this group within the genus Choristoneura.
Choristoneura BOLD DNA tree
One segment of the genus Choristoneura is not only a pest for foresters but also taxonomists. Again, I think we deal with a very polymorphic group that is able to adapt to various conifers as they migrate into new areas or the trees, especially during the rapidly changing climates during the Pleistocene, take over areas with the moths following. This branch of the DNA tree from BOLD shows some of the specimens from this locality which have DNA sequences. All basically flying in late July and August. Although identical in DNA, assignment to a described speccies is not possible as these in general match all the following species: Choristoneura pinus, occidentalis, orae, biennis, lambertiana, fumiferana and possibly others. I will be breaking this down further but for now will call this group, Choristoneura fumiferana group or complex (= Choristoneura occidentalis group on the basis it seems by others to be representative currently until further taxonomic work is presented on this group within the genus Choristoneura.