Kevin Moulton
Specialization: Systematics & Evolution of Diptera (True Flies)
I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in January 2003. My primary teaching responsibilities include the delivery of graduate-level courses in insect morphology (EPP 552) and taxonomy of adult insects (EPP 548). My research program is largely focused on the traditional and molecular systematics of Diptera. Although my personal research interests are focused mostly upon black flies (Simuliidae) and meniscus midges (Dixidae), I have worked with other dipteran families (Blephariceridae, Psychodidae, Tachinidae, & Thaumaleidae) and within other arthropod groups through graduate student and postdoctoral researchers working in my laboratory.
My current funded projects are focused on the Dixidae and the flatheaded borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) genus Chrysobothris spp., especially the C. femorata species group). I am Associate Editor for Zootaxa handling submissions on Chaoboridae, Corethrellidae, Dixidae, & Thaumaleidae, and I also serve on the Editorial Board for Insects.
My teaching philosophy emphasizes engagement, self-instruction, and high expectations. Beyond conveying core principles, I aim to ignite interest, develop information synthesis skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities in students.
My research centers on Diptera systematics and evolution, specifically aquatic Culicomorpha like Dixidae and Simuliidae. My lab’s collaborative research projects emphasize fieldwork and phylogenetics, drawing from morphological and molecular data.
- How are the world’s dixid species related to one another?
- Is the current (or any historical) higher classification(s) for Dixidae phylogenetically valid?
- Should Dixa and Dixella be elevated to tribes and all constituent valid clades within raised to genus?
- How many dixid species are there worldwide and how many currently recognized morphospecies are actually sibling species complexes?
- Which types of nuclear genes convey the most phylogenetic signal across a wide swath of evolutionary time?
- How do DNA fingerprinting results from fast-evolving nuclear genes compare to those from CoxI?
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Doctorate, Entomology, University of Arizona, 1997
Kevin Moulton
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Doctorate, Entomology, University of Arizona, 1997
I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in January 2003. My primary teaching responsibilities include the delivery of graduate-level courses in insect morphology (EPP 552) and taxonomy of adult insects (EPP 548). My research program is largely focused on the traditional and molecular systematics of Diptera. Although my personal research interests are focused mostly upon black flies (Simuliidae) and meniscus midges (Dixidae), I have worked with other dipteran families (Blephariceridae, Psychodidae, Tachinidae, & Thaumaleidae) and within other arthropod groups through graduate student and postdoctoral researchers working in my laboratory.
My current funded projects are focused on the Dixidae and the flatheaded borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) genus Chrysobothris spp., especially the C. femorata species group). I am Associate Editor for Zootaxa handling submissions on Chaoboridae, Corethrellidae, Dixidae, & Thaumaleidae, and I also serve on the Editorial Board for Insects.
My teaching philosophy emphasizes engagement, self-instruction, and high expectations. Beyond conveying core principles, I aim to ignite interest, develop information synthesis skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities in students.
My research centers on Diptera systematics and evolution, specifically aquatic Culicomorpha like Dixidae and Simuliidae. My lab’s collaborative research projects emphasize fieldwork and phylogenetics, drawing from morphological and molecular data.
- How are the world’s dixid species related to one another?
- Is the current (or any historical) higher classification(s) for Dixidae phylogenetically valid?
- Should Dixa and Dixella be elevated to tribes and all constituent valid clades within raised to genus?
- How many dixid species are there worldwide and how many currently recognized morphospecies are actually sibling species complexes?
- Which types of nuclear genes convey the most phylogenetic signal across a wide swath of evolutionary time?
- How do DNA fingerprinting results from fast-evolving nuclear genes compare to those from CoxI?