A5017983069- Diptera species taxonomy and behavior
- Insect behavior and control techniques
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny
- Fossil Insects in Amber
- Plant and animal studies
- Entomological Studies and Ecology
- Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy
- Phytochemistry Medicinal Plant Applications
- Plant Diversity and Evolution
- Evolution and Science Education
- Hemiptera Insect Studies
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Religion, Ecology, and Ethics
- Banana Cultivation and Research
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
Union University
2018-2024
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
2015-2019
Abstract Phasiinae (Diptera: Tachinidae) are endoparasitoid flies that attack Heteroptera, including a multitude of agricultural pests. A phylogenetically informed classification has eluded systematists for over century, primarily because the conflicting character states and confusing morphology certain taxa indicate potential placement within other subfamilies. The unstable nature phasiine taxonomy discourages important research into their classification, life history use in biological...
Olixon testaceum is a widely distributed species of brachypterous parasitoid wasp (Vespoidea: Rhopalosomatidae) occurring in Meso- and South America, but little known its biology. Here, the first host O. ? identified as cricket Anaxipha sp. (Grylloidea: Trigonidiidae) through DNA barcoding six larvae their hosts. Barcoding results also indicated substantial genetic diversity within nominal specimens. The number statistical significance these groups were tested using Maximum Likelihood...
Rhopalosomatidae are unusual wasps whose larvae develop as ectoparasitoids on crickets. In America north of Mexico, three genera and six species recognized. Host known only for Rhopalosoma nearcticum Brues include Hapithus agitator Uhler, H. brevipennis (Saussure), saltator (Uhler) (Gryllidae: Hapithinae). Here we report a new host species: the Anaxipha exigua (Say) species-group (Trigonidiidae: Trigonidiinae) discovered by barcoding nine rhopalosomatid collected from Cypress Grove Nature...
Abstract. Rhopalosomatidae, currently considered the sister group of Vespidae, are an enigmatic family aculeate wasps that originated in Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous. Despite their considerable age, very few fossils have been reported – all them amber (Miocene Dominican, Miocene Mexican, and mid-Cretaceous Burmese ambers). Here we report a new rhopalosomatid wasp, Cretolixon alatum Lohrmann, gen. et sp. nov., from (Kachin) amber. This genus has unique mixture characters, some which only...
The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) seeks to document every species of living thing the park. ATBI is decades progress, yet some taxa remain virtually untouched by taxonomists. Such "high priority" include hyper-diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae. Despite positive and multifaceted effects ichneumonids have on their environment, only a small percentage those collected park been identified as species, mostly complex morphology...
In contribution to the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, a survey of subfamily Phasiinae (Diptera: Tachinidae) was conducted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Phasiines are brightly colored endoparasitoid flies that primarily attack true bugs (Heteroptera) and can be important pollinators meadow habitats. Collections were made from August October over two-year period at two sites: Purchase Knob Haywood Co., North Carolina 2013 Cades Cove Blount Tennessee 2014. collected by sweep net...
Abstract Popular conceptions of the relationship between science and religion often emphasize mutual compatibility but segregation these two authoritative domains. However, along uncertain border spheres exist many questions that appear to influence be influenced by both scientific theological evidence. For biologists, gruesome details parasite biology behavior illuminate a shadow in nature where theology must intersect— did loving creator God design parasites? Here, I explore writings...