Vazrick Nazari
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My research focused on the molecular phylogeography of a Parnassiinae, a subfamily of swallowtail butterflies, and its relationship with other swallowtail subfamilies (Papilioninae and Baroninae) using mtDNA (COI-COII, ND5, ND1 and 16S) and nuclear DNA (EF-1a and wg) sequences for phylogenetic analysis. The subfamily was traditionally considered to consist of 2 tribes, Parnassiini (with genera Parnassius, Hypermnestra and Archon), and Zerynthiini (with genera Allancastria, Zerynthia, Luehdorfia, Bhutanitis, and Sericinus), which are distributed throughout the palaearctic as well as a few Parnassius species in the western hemisphere. For some of the subspecies-rich genera within these tribes, I also investigated speciation and diversification at the population level.
Being a butterfly enthusiast from Iran, where some of these species are also found, I have been collecting and studying the butterflies of my homeland since early childhood. My background includes working for several years with the Iranian National Museum for Natural History, Department of Environment, and Plant Pests and Diseases Research Institute. I have been closely involved in developing the Iranian National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). I have also published in 2003 a volume on the Butterflies of Iran.
Email: nvazrick[at]yahoo.com|
Last Modified:2007-05-25 |