Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Reorganization and upgrading of the collection has continued by Collection Manager Gary Parsons, adjunct curators Mogens Nielsen, Ron Priest, Elwin Evans, and Dr. Christine DeFonzo. Emphasis was on improved labeling of the collection, reorganization of the storage areas and the reprint literature. Seven loans totaling 854 specimens were made. Seventeen professional entomologists visited the collection. Specimens were provided for photos by Dr. George Ayers, and specimen data from the collection were provided to several individuals who could not visit the collection. Ron Priest continued his work on the leafminers of Michigan, the leafmining Lepidoptera at the Huron Mountain Club, and on oaks for a U. S. Forest Service manual on Microlepidoptera of Eastern Oaks via 12 field trips. Mo Nielsen spent more than 50 days in the field collecting for the Michigan Lepidoptera Survey, and donated 450 spread and identified Lepidoptera to the collection. Gary Parsons donated his
beetle collection of more than 10,000 specimens, and collected, pinned and labeled more than 1100 specimens. Fred Stehr donated more than 500 specimens collected in Antrim county. Numerous identifications were made for faculty, staff, students and the public by phone calls, e-mails, walk-ins or mail-ins. Gary Parsons continued his work on upgrading and improving the pinned insects in the Bug House.
Impacts
Correct identifications of submitted insects continued to be important and valued by clientelle such as those wanting indentifications of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus plannipenis, although this serious pest has become so wide spread and well known that most people concerned with it or newly acquainted with it have no trouble identifying it.
Publications
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Caterpillars. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 154-156.
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Chrysalis. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 185-186.
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Cocoon. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 197-198.
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Larvae. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 622-624.
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Metamorphosis. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 707-708.
- Stehr, F. W. 2003. Pupa and Puparium. Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press 970-972.
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Reorganization and upgrading of the collection and room 454 has been continued by Collection Manager Gary Parsons and Adjunct Curators Mogens Nielsen, Ron Priest and Elwin Evans who has finished painting white all 108 of the ancient olive-green cabinets, thereby dramatically improving the lighting and working conditions. Bar-coding and pinning of Catocala into new unit trays has been completed by Nielsen, and numerous Coleoptera have been moved into new unit trays by Parsons. Fourteen loans totaling 872 specimens were made to researchers. More than 50 visitors were hosted. Thirty species of Lepidoptera were photographed by George Ayers for the lab manual he is preparing for publication. Ron Priest has been asked by the U. S. Forest Service to help develop a manual of Microlepidoptera of Eastern Oaks; his focus is on the leafminers. Numerous IDs were made by all personnel for the faculty, staff, students, other MSU personnel, and the public. These were walk-ins,
mail-ins, phone calls or e-mails (with or without photos). Eight drawers of donated exotic insects and others from the collection were reorganized into 10 Oh My drawers for teaching/display by Parsons. The most important identification this year was the non-specific identification of what has turned out to be the emerald ash borer, an aggressive killer of ash trees that was found in the 6-county area surrounding Detroit. These specimens were brought to us in June 2002 by Dr. Dave Roberts, District Horticulture Agent, Oakland Co. area, because they were associated with dying ash trees. Gary Parsons immediately recognized them as belonging to the genus Agrilus which contains many species known to be damaging. A check of our Agrilus collection revealed that we had 7 drawers of Agrilus containing 108 species, some being exotic. None matched the bright iridescent green beetles in question, indicating that they were most likely an introduced species. Some were immediately sent to buprestid
experts in the U. S, and subsequently to Agrilus expert Eduard Jendek in the Czeck Republic, resulting in the identification as Agrilus planipenis Fairmaire, an ash pest from the Japan, Korea, China area. Ron Priest made several important identifications of Lepidoptera leafminers using the collection and relevant publications. These were the corn blotch leaf miner, Agromyza parvicornis (Agromyzidae) from heavily infested corn in Ottawa Co., Phyllonorycter fragilella (Gracillariidae), a persistent problem on honeysuckle in an Ottawa Co. nursery, and perhaps the most interesting one from Sanilac Co., the cereal stem moth, Ochsenheimeria vaccuella (Ochsenheimeriidae), a new state record previously known only from Ohio and 4 other states (originally from Eurasia).
Impacts
The above identifications, especially that of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipenis, which has turned out to be a deadly ememy of all species of ash found in Michigan, and has resulted in a quarantine and containment/eradication program, illustrates the importance of having a comprehensive collection of Michigan insects, so we can immediately determine if a newly discovered insect is likely to be native or introduced, and if it is introduced, what should be done about it. It also illustrates the importance of building a collection of representatives of species from other parts of the world that may be damaging if introduced, since the tremendous increase in world trade makes such introductions much more likely.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Reorganization and upgrading of the collection has continued under the supervision of Gary Parsons, collection manager. Specify (NSF supported) from the University of Kansas has been adopted as the database management software. Many of the Catocala underwing moths have been barcoded and the data recorded for entry into Specify while being transferred into new soft-bottomed unit trays and new Cornell drawers. Some grasshopper label data was provided to Katheryn Kirk of the Wisconsin DNR Endangered species program. Curation of the Cicadidae, Coccinellidae, Passalidae, Neuroptera and part of the Carabidae and Odonata has been completed. Eleven loans totaling 1149 specimens were made, and more than 65 visitors were hosted. Numerous identifications for faculty, students, visitors and the public were made. Several collection tours and outside talks were given. Eight drawers of exotic insects and 6,290 additional specimens were donated to the collection by 11 individuals. 25
specimens of medically important insects were loaned to the Vet School for photographs in a new teaching manual, and 50 specimens of parasitoids were loaned to faculty and graduate students to assist in identifications. 35 field trips led by adjunct curators M. C. Nielsen and R. J. Priest were made, including 6 to the U. P. to survey bog Lepidoptera for the Michigan Lepidoptera Survey.
Impacts
Upgrading the curation of parts of the collection with new drawers, unit trays and reorganization enhances its long-term preservation and its current usefulness to all users, as does databasing.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Reorganization of parts of the collection while replacing old drawers, unit trays and labels has been done by Gary Parsons, collection manager, adjunct curators Mo Nielsen, macrolepidoptera, Elwin Evans, aquatic and alcohol collections, Ron Priest, microlepidoptera, and student volunteers. Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera and Coccinellidae have been done, and greater than 4000 neoprene-stoppered vials have been replaced with Polyseal-capped vials. More than 8,000 specimens from 12 collectors were added, primarily from MI, FL, TX, OR, CA, UT and PNG. 23 drawers of MI insects from the Wilma Ratliff collection were added. 8 loans totaling 2735 specimens were made. Pinned Orthoptera, Mecoptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, Neuroptera, Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera and aquatic Hemiptera have been inventoried for database entry. The 4th floor hallway Lepidoptera display is nearly finished.
Impacts
The re-curation and inventory-databasing of the above-mentioned parts of the collection make it much more accessible and user-friendly, both physically and electronically. We plan to continue this if new drawers and unit trays do not become the limiting factor.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Highlights are the obtaining of a full-time Collection Manager position filled by Gary Parsons in August and M. C. Nielsen's Michigan Butterflies and Skippers field guide. An exhibit of MI and tropical butterflies was set up for the Kellogg Center. Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera added 285 records of MI listed species. Eight loans totaling 1239 specimens were made. 1672 spread, labelled and identified Lepidoptera, 58 larval collections, and 40 reared parasitoids were added. 104 lots of leafmining Lepidoptera were collected from 16 counties. Two specimens of Brachmeria intermedia from Clare Co., a parasitoid of gypsy moths and other Lepidoptera, are a new Michigan record. Its effect may be more negative than positive because of its attacks on native species.
Impacts
The addition of Collection Manager Gary Parsons will, and is, having a major impact on the organization, maintenance and use of the collection by Michigan researchers and residents, and by others. B. intermedia may impact native Lepidoptera more than gypsy moths.
Publications
- Nielsen, Mogens C. 1999. Michigan Butterflies and Skippers. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2675, 248 pages, numerous color photographs.
|
Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
The Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera continued with data entered for specimens from additional collections for Michigan's 'endangered', 'threatened' and 'special concern' species. This data base now contains nearly 4400 records, including 357 new records from 61 new sites and 25 new county records. The Center made 8 loans totaling 2946 specimens and 81 vials. By collecting and via gifts, 1,353 spread, labelled and identified Michigan and N. American Lepidoptera were added to the collection, including 10 paratypes and 55 specimens illustrated in Jim Tuttle's Saturniidae book. About 500 Collembola were added, including 50 species new to the collection. The Gene Thompson Memorial Fund provided support for adding 60 new drawers and 3 new 48-drawer cabinets. The Center prepared and installed for the MSU Museum the exhibit 'Winged Jewels, Butterflies and Moths', which ran from early March to mid-January 1999. It incorporated morphology and biology, butterfly houses and
gardens, a large sweeping worldwide lepidodiversity display, the monarch story, selected agricultural and forest pests, representative Michigan species, mimicry and cammouflage, a live butterfly cage, and study, collecting, preparation and storage techniques. This was very well received, and the sweeping worldwide display is being incorporated into the MSU Museum's biodiversity exhibit.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Burton, T.M., Muzzall, P.M., Snider, R.J., Coady, N.R. 1998. Swimmer's Itch in Michigan: An Outlook from Michigan State University. Michigan Riparian 8-9.
- Balogh, G.J. and Wilterding, J.H. 1998. A New Species of Pyla Grote and redescription of Pyla aequivoca Heinrich (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae). Proceedings Entomological Society of Washington 100(4):704-723.
- Wilterding, J. H. 1997. Type Specimens of Lepidoptera in the Tepper Collection at Michigan State University. J. New York Entomological Society 105(1-2):65-104. [Left out of the 1997 report.]
|
Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
The Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera has continued with data obtained and entered for specimens from additional private collections for all of Michigan's 'endangered', 'threatened' and 'special concern' species, including some very important collections with many historical records. This database now contains nearly 4,000 records, including 482 new ones from 81 new sites and 28 new county records. The Center made 10 loans totaling 3,391 specimens. By collecting and via gifts, 1075 spread, labelled and identified Michigan and N. American Lepidoptera were incorporated into the collection, and 4290 specimens of Brazilian biodiversity of 14 orders were added. Three sets of voucher specimens were added. Six new 48-drawer Viking insect cabinets and 330 Cornell drawers were purchased with $20,000 AES money to replace some of the vintage 1949 cabinets and bring part of the Hymenoptera collection up to current quality standards for storage. We worked with Ron Priest and Raj
Sitaraman of the MDA and Gordon Guyer, former Director of MDA, in establishing the 'Gene Thompson Memorial Fund' for purchase of some new cabinets and drawers. To date $6165 has been donated to this fund by 74 contributors.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Snider, R. J. 1997. New Orchesella species (Collembola:Entomobryidae) from North America. Ent. News 108(5):372-378.
- Snider, R. M. and R. J. 1997. Activity and reproduction of Calosoma frigidum (Coleoptera:Carabidae) in northern Michigan forests. Ent. News 108(2):127-133.
- Snider, R. M. and R. J. 1997. Efficiency of arthropod extraction from soil cores. Ent. News 108(3):203-208.
- Chen, B-r, R. J. and R. M. Snider. 1997. Mouthparts of three collembolan species:comparative morphology. Invert. Biol. 116(4):355-362.
|
Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
The Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera has continued, with data entry for all of Michigan's "Endangered", "Threatened" and "Special Concern" species made for additional private collections. Bar code labels have been added to all. Calosoma sychophanta (a rather specific carabid predator of the gypsy moth) that was released at two sites on 28 June 1994 in Roscommon and Ingham counties, was not recovered in 1996 at either site, probably because nearly all host larvae were killed by the fungal parasite Entomophaga maimaiga, released in previous years by Drs. Smitley and Bauer. Adult C. sychophanta go back into a dormant state if host larvae/pupae are not abundant. The Center made 12 loans to other institutions tataling 1818 specimens during 1996. More than 5300 spread/identified specimens of Lepidoptera were incorporated into the collection via gifts or collecting. 307 samples were identified in the Diagnostic Lab., and many I.D.s, biology, what-to-do phone calls from growers
and the public were answered. The Butterfly House hosted nearly 16,000 visitors, class/school groups in 1996, and the Center hosted some other groups, including classes from Lansing Community College. Eight sets of voucher thesis/dissertation specimens were added to the collection in 1996.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- LEDERHOUSE, R. C., SCRIBER, J.M. 1996. Intrasexual selection contrains the dorsalcolor pattern of male black swallowtail butterflies, Papilio polyxenes. Evolution 50:171-722.
- LESCHEN, R.A.B. 1996. Phylogeny and revision of the genera of Cryptophagidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea). Kansas Science Bulletin 55:549-634.
- LESCHEN, R.A.B. CARLTON, C.E. 1996. Slime-production in mycophagous Nitidulidae (Coleoptera): a new species of Eusphaerius. Journal of Natural History 30:1861-1873.
- LESCHEN, R.A.B. 1996 (1994). Parental investments and larval behavior of mycophagous Coleoptera. Folia Entomologica Mexicana. 92:9-19.
- SCRIBER, J.M. 1996. Tiger tales: Natural history of native North American swallowtails. American Entomologist. 42:19-32.
- ZABLOTNY, J. E., R.A.B. Leschen. 1996. Two new genera of flightless Languriidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) from the Australo-Pacific. Coleopterists Bulletin 50:382-390.
- ZABLOTNY, J.E. 1995. A Michigan record for Clytus marginicollis (Coleoptera:Cerambycidae:Clytini). Great Lakes Entomologist 28:231-233.
- CHEN, B., SNIDER, R. J., SNIDER, R.M. 1996. Food consumption by Collembola from northern Michigan deciduous forest. Pedobiologia 40:149-161.
- SNIDER, R.J. 1996. Collembolans and coarse woody debris in southern forests: ef.
|
Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
The Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera is progressing, with entry for all of Michigan's "Endangered", "Threatened" and "Special Concern" species entered from MSU, UM and two private collections. Bar code labels have been added to all specimens entered into the data base. Calosoma sychophanta (a rather specific carabid predator of the gypsy moth), released at two sites on 28 June 94 in Roscommon and Ingham counties, was recovered at both sites although predator rates were low (2 and 5% respectively). The Center made 18 loans to other institutions totaling 6,500 specimens during 1995. More than 4,400 spread and identified Lepidoptera were incorporated into the collection via gifts or collecting. 320 samples were identified in the Diagnostic Lab., and many I.D., biology, what-to-do phones calls from growers and the public were answered. The Butterfly House hosted ca 15,000 visitors, class/school groups in 1995, and the Center hosted some school groups. Seven sets of voucher
thesis/dissertation specimens were added to the collection in 1995. The major effort of 1995 was completion of 2 major grants from the Center for Insect Diversity Studies: 1) Phylogeny and evolution of Scaphisomatini (R.Leschen, PI; $279,876 NSF Systematics) 2) Major renovation for the Collections of CIDS (F.W. Stehr, R.J. Snider, and R. Leschen; $812,326 NSF Collections Improvement Program).
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BOSSART, J.L., SCRIBER, J.M. 1995. Maintenance of ecologically significant genetic variation in the tiger swallowtail butterfly through differential selection and gene flow. Evolution 49: 1163-1171.
- SCRIBER, J.M., ET AL. 1995. Hybridization & studies with N. Am. swallowtails, pp. 269-282 In (J.M. Scriber, Y. Tsubaki, & R.C. Lederhouse, eds.), Swallowtail butterflies: Their ecol. & evol. biol.. Sci. Publ., Gainesville, FL.
- LESCHEN, R.A.B., LOBL, I. 1995. Phylogeny of Scaphidiinae with redefinition of tribal and generic limits (Coleoptera:Staphylinidae). Suisse Revue de Zoologie 102(2):425-474.
- ASHE, J.S., LESCHEN, R.A.B. 1995. Cajachara carltoni, a new genus and species of rove beetle (Coleoptera:Nitdulidae). Tropical Zoology 7:209-216.
- LESCHEN, R.A.B., CARLTON, C.E. 1995. Slime-production in mycophagous Nitidulidae (Coleoptera): a new species of Eusphaerius. Journ. Natural History (in press).
|
Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
The Survey of Michigan Lepidoptera is underway, with the database entry form in FoxPro developed. Bar code labels are to be added to all specimens entered in the data base. Funding for more rapid (= more workers) data entry is currently being sought. Calosoma sychophanta (a rather specific carabid predator of the gypsy moth) was released at two sites on 28 June 94: Roscommon Co., (T24N, R3W, Sec.24), and Ingham Co.(T4N, R1W, Sec.24): 50 pairs at each site. Gypsy moth larvae were below what was expected, probably because of the severe winter mortality of eggs at both sites, but C. sychophanta larvae were observed at the Ingham site where gypsy moth larvae were more abundant. The Center made 20 loans to other institutions totaling 10,245 specimens during 1994. More than 5,000 spread and identified Lepidoptera were incorporated into the collection via gifts or collecting, and the Sigurd Nelson pseudoscorpion collection was acquired by gift. 250 samples were identified in
the Diagnostic Lab., and many I.D., biology, what-to-do phone calls from growers and the public were answered. The Butterfly House hosted ca 13,000 visitors, class/school groups in 1994, and the Center hosted some school groups. Four sets of voucher thesis/dissertation specimens were added to the collection in 1994.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- SCRIBER, J.M. 1994. Climatic legacies & sex chromosomes: latitudinal patterns of voltinism, diapause size & host-plant selection. pp. 133-171. In (H.V. Danks, ed.) Insect life-cycle polymorphism. Kluwer, Netherlands.
|
|