Population genetic structure of a predatory moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in the Hawaiian Islands

Caterpillars of geometrid moths in the genus Eupithecia have evolved obligate predatory lifestyles in the Hawaiian Islands. The predatory behavior of these inchworms provides a well-known example of the potential evolutionary consequences of extreme geographic isolation. Despite the charismatic nature of the Hawaiian Eupithecia radiation, little research has been done on these species since the predatory behavior was described in the early 1980’s. As part of a larger project on the systematics and evolution of Hawaiian Lepidoptera, we present a preliminary phylogeographic study of one relatively common and widespread species, Eupithecia orichloris. We include populations from all the major islands and utilize data from standard molecular markers used in population studies of Lepidoptera.