Biodiversity, DNA Barcoding, and Molecular Phylogeny of Northwestern Ecuador

This project addresses the knowledge gap regarding the biodiversity, natural history, and evolutionary ecology of pollinating flies (Diptera) associated with orchids in the highly biodiverse and severely threatened cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. The primary goal is to investigate the diversity and evolutionary relationships of these pollinating flies, focusing on the Drosophilidae and Phoridae families, known to interact with orchid species like *Dracula lafleurii*. The methodology involves intensive specimen collection across four preserves (Los Cedros, Mindo, Pululahua, and Maquipucuna) using Malaise traps, pan traps (yellow and blue), and Macphail aerial traps. Specimens will be classified to morphospecies and subjected to molecular analyses, including amplification of the mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene for DNA barcoding and the 18S and 28S rRNA genes for phylogenies. Furthermore, environmental variables such as elevation, temperature, rainfall, and the abundance of surrounding orchid species will be measured. Geographic data will be visualized using ArcGIS. The final output will be an illustrated catalog and a taxonomic key for the orchid-pollinating Diptera, providing a foundational basis for future research on evolutionary ecology and conservation in this megadiverse area.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To examine the diversity and evolutionary relationships of orchid pollinating flies in the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>nan