Character analysis of spiniform setae in subfamilies of Gelechioidea

Spiniform setae are present on abdominal terga within certain subfamilies of Gelechioidea. Past authors have assumed that the morphological structure and positioning of these setae are homologous for all subfamilies but Hodges (1998) suggests that this character may be more variable than previously thought. A more in depth examination of this morphological feature could shed light on whether this character is homologous or homoplastic.  Identifying the level of homology would shed light on the evolution of families and subfamilies within Gelechioidea. The object of my thesis research is to provide a detailed analysis of the structural variation of spiniform setae to untimately determine if the character is truly synapomorhic.