Current research status of Lepidoptera in China has been briefly reviewed, focusing mainly on the taxonomy of Lepidoptera. Data of projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) on entomology during 2001-2011 (Qi, 2012) and 2012-2015 are used in analyzing the relevance of the publication quantity and the support strength of NSFC. Funds from NSFC on entomology have become more diverse. Current funds include general, regional and youth projects. NSFC encourages scientists to focus on the weak aspects of entomology, and the researchers have made rapid progress in recent years under the successive support of NSFC. Insect biochemistry and molecular biology have developed fastest, and more funds have been granted than other branches. But traditional disciplines, such as taxonomy, still develop slowly and need to be further supported by NSFC. NSFC has made effective effects to improve the research level and accelerate the development of entomology. In recent five years, a total of 1504 projects have been supported by NSFC in all fields of entomology. Among them, 250 projects are associated with Lepidoptera (including famous species such as Bombyx mori, Plutella xylostella, Ostrinia nubilalis), but only 18 projects are involved in the taxonomy of Lepidoptera. Since research fields of insects are very broad, some specific groups still need to be supported. In this regard, we should strengthen regional and international cooperations.

• Houhun Li(Lab of Lepidoptera, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University)