Entomology Newsletter 2000 Contents

Message from the Head...... 2 Faculty ...... 4 Staff ...... 10 Affiliates and Other Academics ...... 11 UIUC Entomologists in the News ...... 20 Department of Entomology on the World Wide Web ...... 21 Off-Campus Colloquium Speakers ...... 21 Ellis MacLeod Memorial Lecture ...... 22 Entomology Graduate Student Association ...... 23 Graduate Students...... 24 Recent Graduates ...... 31 Awards and Recognition ...... 32 The Insect Fear Film Festival ...... 35 Insect Expo ...... 37 Linnaean Games ...... 37 Beekeeping Short Course ...... 38 Entomology Alumni ...... 38 Necrology ...... 45 This newsletter is published annually by the Departmental Donors ...... 46 Department of Entomology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801 USA.

Front cover photograph: James Sternburg Editor: Tish Cundiff Design: Jana Waite

Entomology Newsletter 2000—1 Message from the Head

FOR the first time since I’ve been home unit of that instructor. So, department head, mercifully little even with the loss of the rubric, we of the news revolves around reor- may actually be better off in terms ganization. The new integrative of instructional unit/faculty teach- biology curriculum, as well as a ing equivalent (IU/FTE) ratios, proposal to begin a new program that kabbalistic number that has so in Ecology and Evolutionary Biol- much impact on deans and mem- ogy, actually made it through the bers of the Illinois Board of Higher Faculty Senate, as did the adminis- Education. trative restructuring, which means that the School of Integrative Another part of reorganization is Biology and the School of Molecu- restaffing. Although our efforts last lar and Cellular Biology began year to hire a molecular systematist His international stature in insect their official existence in July 2000. were unsuccessful, we made up for molecular systematics is established it this year by hiring two—Jim beyond doubt. Current faculty Part of reorganization is restruc- Whitfield and Sydney Cameron. A members and affiliates with inter- turing the undergraduate curricu- nationwide search at the assistant ests in Lepidoptera (hosts of his lum and one consequence of that or associate level identified three microgastrines), coevolution, and restructuring is that there will no top candidates, two of whom, biological control enthusiastically longer be any departmental course fortunately for us, happened to be await his arrival in August 2001. rubrics—all courses offered by the married to each other. School of Integrative Biology will Dr. Sydney Cameron has a long carry an “IB” rubric and all courses Dr. Jim Whitfield is more than and distinguished record of achieve- offered by the School of Molecular just a Hymenoptera systematist; he ment in the field of behavioral and Cellular Biology will carry a has demonstrated a single origin of ecology and evolution. She has “MCB” rubric. The ENTOM polydnaviruses in braconid wasps, amassed an impressive publication rubric will be retained only for authored a widely cited review of record that includes papers in the ENTOM 499, which is required the phylogeny and evolution of the top journals in the field, including for the entomology doctoral degree. host/parasitoid interaction in Nature and the Proceedings of the Hymenoptera, and provided com- National Academy of Sciences. Her I’m not ecstatically happy about prehensive keys to the genera of all expertise is in the application of the loss of the rubric on general New World Microgastrinae, im- phylogenetic theory and analysis to principles but this change is for the portant biological control agents. the study of social insect evolution better in one respect—our depart- Moreover, he has demonstrated and her main research focus is on ment has a long and infuriating the phylogenetic utility of the the corbiculate bees of the family history of not receiving credit for commonly used 16S mitochondrial Apidae. Her interests in compara- teaching courses under the BIOL RNA gene, analyzed patterns of tive chemical ecology of bees add rubric and we have received variation that can lead to phyloge- depth to our program and her ex- assurances from the Division of netically misleading biases, and tensive experience conducting field- Information Management that used both nuclear and mitochon- work throughout Central and instructional units will, from this drial gene sequences to demon- South America (and elsewhere in point on, be tracked by the princi- strate a rapid early evolutionary the world) brings a new interna- pal instructor and accredited to the radiation of the microgastrine wasps. tional dimension to the department.

2—Entomology Newsletter 2000 A note: the addition of Drs. alumni (i.e., within the last two feelings of camaraderie and loyalty Whitfield and Cameron brings the decades) is that, after 17 years, in this department and we all thank total number of faculty to 10—a Dorothy Houchens, our adminis- her profusely for her extraordinary 25% increase in a single year. And trative secretary extraordinaire, left term of service. with Dr. Cameron on our faculty, our department for an administra- the proportion of female faculty tive position with the Department On the up side, however, to members in the Department of of Agricultural and Consumer replace Dot we succeeded in hiring Entomology will increase to 40%, Economics, a department with an old friend, Jackie Bowdry (née a proportion that I would suggest more secretaries than we have Smith). Former students from the could serve as a model for efforts to faculty. early 1980s will remember Jackie; improve the status of women on I remembered her especially for campus, particularly in the sci- Dot’s loyalty being the first secretary who could ences. Moreover, it’s my educated and tenacity actually decipher my handwriting guess that this is the highest pro- have been a (which has been bad ever since portion of women in the depart- tremendous fourth grade, when Mr. Parker ment since it all started 91 years ago. gift to our made me stay in during recess to department. practice the spelling word “brick,” In other faculty matters, Dr. Sam Her phe- which he read and marked wrong Beshers was reappointed as a visit- nomenal as “buck.” Not that that incident ing lecturer to teach BIOL 120 recall of past was traumatic or anything…). and taught ENTOM 301 for the history, her ability to monitor cur- Jackie has adjusted remarkably second consecutive summer. Dr. rent developments throughout the smoothly to our peculiarities—in Lee Solter taught insect pathology School, and her absolute familiar- fact, it’s as if she never left! We to 9 people (and Lee will continue ity with university rules and prac- hope she likes it here enough to to offer a Midwest Summer Institute tices were a godsend that spared stay 17 years, as her predecessor did! in insect pathology, with students me as department head hours and from such far-flung midwestern hours of fruitless phone calls. Were For whatever it’s worth, I’m in venues as Utah). Dr. Rob I to describe in detail all of the things my ninth year of service as depart- Wiedenmann taught biological Dot has done for the department, ment head; this means I’ve been a control with the assistance of it would probably sound like we department head longer than I was campus visitor Dr. Rami Kfir, were exploiting her. Nowhere in an undergraduate, a graduate stu- Research Scientist, Plant Protection her contract, for example, did it dent, a mandolin-player in a blue- Research Institute, Pretoria, South specify that she has to fill in for the grass band, a horse owner, and a Africa, whose visit was funded by part-time insectary staff, going to member of the Jewish Vegetarians the International Council. We also the grocery store to buy 40 pounds of America Society (I’m still Jewish welcomed Dr. Kevin Johnson as a of pork liver for the blow fly colony, and a vegetarian, but the Society new affiliate; Dr. Johnson, recently or grabbing a dozen cockroaches seems to have folded). I won’t say hired at the Center for Biodiversity from the rearing room to assist an that it defines my existence but at the Illinois Natural History Sur- undergraduate on a research pro- being the head of this particular vey, is interested in the systematics ject. I can’t imagine that there are department of entomology is an and coevolution of lice (among the many secretaries on this campus important part of my life. The very few groups of wingless insects) who could be forced at gunpoint Department of Entomology and its and their avian hosts (among the very to do these things, much less volun- past and current members are a few groups of winged vertebrates). teer to do them. Her contributions great source for me of pride, of to the department have been friendship, and of inspiration. Probably the staffing change of innumerable—she was an integral Thank you, everybody—you make greatest consequence to recent factor in accounting for the strong it a pleasure!

Entomology Newsletter 2000—3 shot at taxonomic immortality. (I The other work with P. polyxenes Faculty have heard, though, that Dr. Tom was done with undergraduate Eisner, world-renowned chemical honors student Lydia Wraight, who ecologist at Cornell, has proposed undertook a summer project, in- May Berenbaum naming a chemical isolated from spired by a report from Cornell in the sticky exudate of a pierid 1999 that pollen from Bt-corn was caterpillar after me. I hope the toxic to monarch caterpillars; we FOR me it’s been 12 reviewers are supportive and that were curious to see whether our more months of the chemical doesn’t smell too bad). local populations of black swallow- alliterative same-old, Mark Carroll literally looked tails were at risk by living surrounded same-old: swallow- high and low for Depressaria pasti- by a sea of Bt corn. Although in the tails, cytochrome nacella from British Columbia to laboratory corn pollen from some P450s, and small New Mexico, in order to see whether events was toxic, in the field we brown moths. Our geographic carotenoid sequestration varies couldn’t find any evidence of any boundaries continue to expand. with altitude and latitude, as it impact of the events planted by Although the work with Art Zangerl might be expected to do if in fact local growers, despite our best on chemical phenotype matching the sequestered pigments protect efforts. We were relieved to find between wild parsnips and parsnip against ultraviolet-mediated photo- out our butterfly supply was not in webworms remains localized in the toxicity of hostplant furanocoumarins. immediate jeopardy (at least from Land of Lincoln (and now involves And Katy Lustofin and Terry Bt corn pollen) and published the Illinois native Julie Cianfrogna), Harrison bucked the trend, opting findings in the Proceedings of the other graduate students in the lab to stay in central Illinois for their National Academy of Science. To have traveled thousands of miles work. Both bucked the taxonomic our surprise, we found ourselves away from Illinois (kilometers, in trend as well, working not with almost immediately in the midst of publications) in pursuit of more Depressaria but with Agonopterix a media firestorm, with newspapers exotic small brown depressariine species. Katy is trying to determine anxiously calling at all hours for moths. how A. alstroemeriana copes with quotations to mangle in print, Masters student Duane McKenna the coniine in poison hemlock, industry representatives desper- completed a circuit of six western and Terry is investigating a species ately trying to send film crews to states (Idaho, Oregon, Washing- complex of Agonopterix caterpillars shoot public relations footage, and ton, California, Utah, and Nevada) on rutaceous shrubs in central environmentalists accusing us of searching for native Depressaria Illinois. The new species that Terry abusing science and not caring species and their Lomatium host- found will be named for his wife (I about butterflies. Lydia’s other plants, to gather distributional, guess I should have married a project, describing a yellow eye ecological, and phenological data systematist if I really wanted to color mutant in Trichoplusia ni, in the hope of examining prospects achieve taxonomic immortality). attracted a lot less attention but for documenting cospeciation in Work on swallowtails in the lab did give us an opportunity to con- this plant/insect interaction. In the is two-pronged (like their osmete- tribute the name of a mutation to process, he discovered two unde- ria). Work on cytochrome P450- the literature (bagheera, after the scribed species; he proposed naming mediated detoxification of host- yellow-eyed panther in Kipling’s one of them after his wife and one, plant allelochemicals continues, Jungle Book). D. mayartorum, in honor of his with Becca Petersen demonstrating Xianchun Li continues to drag two advisors. Regrettably, review- differential tissue expression of us to the brink of economic im- ers felt that there was insufficient CYP6B1 in Papilio polyxenes and portance, investigating the connec- material on which to base a new with Weimin Li finding 14 new tion between allelochemical and species description, so I guess I’ll furanocoumarin-inducible P450s insecticide metabolism in the corn have to wait a little longer for my in P. canadensis and P. glaucus. earworm, Helicoverpa zea; he has

4—Entomology Newsletter 2000 found three P450s in this polypha- what did you say? camera crews on campus to take gous species that are likely partici- Eh? My hearing shots of our robot during the last pants in the evolution of resistance seems to be going. year. One group was doing a to xenobiotics. The broad diet of It’s so quiet in our National Geographic special that is this insect (variously called the house you could hear due to be aired in 2001. The other cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, a Sherman tank was led by an independent film- and false tobacco budworm) has drop. Austin loves the Cub Scouts, maker from Germany who was meant that we’ve had to learn (or and Paul loves Arthur. Things in doing a documentary on cock- re-learn) and commit to memory the lab are productive, lots of new roaches(!). She had traveled all over the structures of many plant second- equipment and fun science. I the world interviewing researchers ary compounds that actually aren’t continue working with Hugh on who study these insects and was furanocoumarins. insect smelling. It’s hard on your fascinated with our particular On the home front, 10-year-old knees, though. application. That film is also to be daughter Hannah continues to be Life as an Urbana bozo is good— finished in 2001; once complete, it a great source of joy, particularly as and we’re not even part of Big could appear on German TV. new interests develop. Right now, Grove. (I expect Peter Price will Meanwhile, our simulation has she enjoys piano lessons and syn- say something about this latter improved considerably. You can chronized swimming, and she has statement). If an enchilada falls off view it in action (as well as see clips recently taken up ventriloquism. the plate, is the comida the less? of our robot standing and walking) I’m especially pleased about the Regards to all my former students on the web (www.life.uiuc.edu/ ventriloquism, because when I was out there, and don’t be strangers. delcomyn), at least if you don’t have about Hannah’s age I was a ven- an old, slow modem. triloquist, too. My husband Richard, At present we are working to though, doesn’t believe me because Fred Delcomyn develop a “controller” for the simu- he doubts that there was ever a lation that will allow it to walk over time when my lips weren’t moving. IT’S amazing to rugged terrain as well as over a I continue to combine business think of all that can smooth surface. The trick is to with pleasure and drag my incred- happen in a bit more keep all the legs coordinated even ibly tolerant family along on trips than a year. On the while one or more legs is dealing to places that are not traditional administrative front, with some unexpected environ- vacation spots. To illustrate, we the School of Inte- mental disturbance. We expect to spent spring break 1999 in Pull- grative Biology is learn important constraints on how man, Washington, spring break now a full-fledged, official unit of locomotion is coordinated in real 2000 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, the University of Illinois, compris- animals from our endeavors. and we’re scheduled to spend ing the departments of Animal spring break 2001 in Alberta, Biology (formerly Ecology, Ethol- Canada. If this trend continues, ogy, and Evolution), Entomology, Susan Fahrbach we should be vacationing at the and Plant Biology. We have been Kevo Subarctic Research Station in successful in attracting outstanding CHANGE in lab personnel and Finland by spring break 2005. candidates to several positions we research projects marked the last have had in the School, including year. Sarah Farris and Chiou-Miin Jim Whitfield and Sydney Cameron Wang successfully defended their Stewart Berlocher to the Department of Entomology. theses and moved on; Kym Rosiak The next challenge is to get our moved on without finishing her THINGS remain exciting at the new curriculum up and running. thesis, although she returned over Berlocher’s. Paul is 3 going on 6 On the research front, matters the summer to finish her research and Austin is 8 going on 16. Sorry, are also moving along. We had two and should complete her PhD this

Entomology Newsletter 2000—5 coming spring; Beth took our standard family vacation Chernoff at USEPA on the molec- Capaldi completed to the beach in Long Island this ular basis for the developmental her postdoc and summer, but I was also happy to toxicity of the herbicide nitrofen. headed for a faculty attend meetings in Italy and Hawaii. We are in the process of character- position at Bucknell. Serving as Director of the Howard izing clones obtained from our sub- Joe Sullivan persists, Hughes Program for Undergradu- tractive hybridization: among those and fortunately Rodrigo Velarde ate Education in the Life Sciences 140 pieces of DNA we should find has joined us. Another graduate has provided me with many mo- the gene or genes whose altered student, however, would be most ments of satisfaction (and we are expression is the beginning of the welcome. proud to have obtained a large addi- complex cascade leading to nitrofen- Beth finished in spectacular tional grant from the Illinois State induced malformations. Once we fashion, with a Nature paper on Board of Education for our middle have likely candidates, we can find radar tracking of honey bees that school outreach efforts), but it is a student to continue this project led to global attention from the very time-consuming and I spend more quickly. The work has some popular press. Hearing her inter- some time each day diligently practical implications, since viewed on NPR was a real treat for trying to identify my successor. nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic me, an incurable public radio addict! hernias in rats have become the Research continues on the theme model system for the correspond- of nervous system development in Bettina Francis ing human birth defect—even insects, with an eye directed toward though no one knows whether hormonal regulation of behavior. IT has only been a similar mechanisms are involved in But our emphases have changed. year since the last the two species. We are now using in situ hybrid- newsletter and a year I am also working with Lane ization on brain sections to exploit is not a very long Rayburn of Crop Sciences on the the bee EST project that Gene time. I leave rapid effects (if any) of various chemicals Robinson has so ably instigated. In moves to my sons: present in food and water on the our Manduca work we have shifted Theo has just moved from Little occurrence of DNA damage in to the study of the role of glial cells Rock to Dallas, still in pursuit of mammals in vivo. This work is still in neurometamorphosis. The glial the perfect journalist’s beat, while very preliminary, but caffeine is cell work is a collaboration with a Alex and Elaine are at the Univer- giving some intriguing results. group at the University of Minnesota. sity of Hong Kong for the second The best news this year is that I Another project is editing a sec- of 3 years. may finally be able to move my lab! tion of a major new reference work As a member of the campus The moving date is not yet set, but on Brain, Behavior, and Hormones Library Allocations Steering Com- certainly by next year’s newsletter, I to be published by Academic Press mittee, I am spending enormous will be in Morrill Hall. It can’t in 2001. I’m working under the amounts of time on the problem come too soon. Even my current guidance of Don Pfaff at the of how to allocate insufficient view over Illini Grove does not Rockefeller University, my thesis resources fairly among the over 40 compensate for the isolation from adviser, proving that it is possible departmental libraries at Illinois. my colleagues, and I am very tired to go home again... This involves not only the usual of trekking half a mile to attend My oldest son, Abe, is now a number of meetings, but also 18 faculty meetings or pick up mail. I teenager. He started at University hearings to get input from library also hope to be on sabbatical for Laboratory High School this fall, users about their views of library the fall semester, writing a book on and we are pleased that at long last needs. pesticide toxicology and spending he has some homework. Nate is 3 Meanwhile, I am continuing my time in the lab. and is proud to be in pre-K I. We long-term collaboration with Neil

6—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Stanley Friedman

A note to tell you all that Frances and I are still alive and kicking. I do spend a little time at the department each week, lunching with colleagues, and going to seminars, but I am to be found most days working on the great American novel. On the basis of the first 30 pages, my agent thinks it will outsell Garcia Marquez’s last, but I am not at all sanguine. I’ll tell you more in the next newsletter. Are you prepared and have colonized new office space bagworm and avian predation on the fourth floor of Morrill. to wait? In the meantime, be well (Moore); (3) conservation biologi- Two undergrads are pursuing and drop us a plot line if you are cal control of pine needle scale so inclined. independent research projects in (Tooker, Reagel); (4) physical struc- the lab: Ashley Walter and Vincent ture of urban habitats and resistance Pham (a Hughes Undergrad Re- of trees to insect attack (Grossman); Larry Hanks search Fellow). We also appreciate (5) tritrophic interactions in native the dedication of our undergrad prairie ecosystems (Tooker); (6) WE have had a pro- research assistants, Magdalena influence of urbanization on com- ductive year in the Ruiz, Nick Rauter, Lori Kae munity structure of wood-boring Hanks’ lab: John Schwab, Eric Jackson, and Ellie beetles (Lacey); (7) spatial effects Kron. Tooker and Matt on community structure of wood- Together, we study ecological Ginzel have completed their MS boring beetles (Pham, Ginzel); (8) degrees and are forging ahead with interrelationships between insects, plant stress and host plant prefer- dissertation research (see their their host plants, and natural ence in Asian longhorned beetle contributions for research inter- enemies, with the goal of develop- (Hanks); (9) host plant effects on ing novel methods of managing ests) on research assistantships. aggregation and mate location in pests in urban habitats. Of particu- Pete Reagel and Jodie Ellis will be the red milkweed beetle (Reagel, wrapping up their MS theses by lar interest is conservation biologi- Ginzel); (10) role of cuticular the end of winter. Rob Moore, cal control in ornamental land- hydrocarbons in mate recognition however, will be a bit delayed in scapes: minimizing pest problems of cerambycid beetles (Ginzel); by manipulating the diversity and his academic progress while (11) host plant relations and repro- abundance of plants in urban land- vacationing in Kuwait with the ductive behavior of cerambycid National Guard. scapes to foster populations of beetles (Ginzel, Lacey); and (12) Emerson Lacey joined the lab natural enemies. molecular genetics of Asian long- since the last newsletter, and has Research projects in progress horned beetle: introduction, inva- include:(1) enhancing biological completed one field season toward sion, and spread in North America control of evergreen bagworm with an MS. Even more recently, Ashley (Ginzel, Hanks, Ken Paige, Barry Bennett and Erin Grossman (an flowering forbs (Ellis, Walter); (2) Williams). NRES student) have joined us, dispersal behavior of evergreen

Entomology Newsletter 2000—7 Hugh Robertson gaster genome has revealed 37 mem- as exciting, but of an entirely dif- bers of this OBP family, which we ferent kind. To intensify my lab’s are describing in a study of the efforts aimed at studying the THE past year has molecular evolution of OBPs. molecular genetic underpinnings seen my laboratory At home, my major efforts have of division of labor in the honey focus even more on been directed at re-siding our bee colony, a few years ago I the molecular basis house, by reducing it to naked started looking to the Human of insect olfaction, studs, insulating, sheathing, and re- Genome Project for inspiration. while reducing our siding with sealed redwood. This Are there, I asked, techniques efforts on mariner transposons. project has gotten completely out spawned by the Human Genome We’ve submitted a manuscript of control and now consumes every Project that can be used to help describing the lack of interactions spare hour and all weekends. Having identify genes involved in honey between mariners from different removed the soffits, fascia, and bee social behavior? Happily, the subfamilies, so with at least 15 gutters, I finally drew the line at answer turned out to be yes! Even subfamilies of mariners there are the roof, and now am struggling to more happily, our department, and lots of non-interacting transposons get everything back in place for the the University of Illinois as a available for development as tools. winter. whole, are ideal institutions from Our remaining mariner project con- My 14-year-old stepson, Gabriel, which to try and bring the power cerns the two members with several has moved in with us for the school of genomics to bear on questions of hundred copies each in the human year, so now we suddenly have a social behavior, a new endeavor I genome, and a survey study of the teenager around the house. Our 2- call “sociogenomics.” eight different kinds revealed by year-old daughter, Erica, has started Our first step was to be awarded the nematode genome sequences. at a cooperative nursery, so she’s a grant from the University’s Criti- Our work on insect olfaction getting into the swing of early cal Research Initiative program. continues to involve primarily ex- mornings too, so now I’m the only With this grant, running from pressed sequence tag (EST) pro- holdout for late nights and late 1999 to 2001, we are able to iden- jects on various insect antennae, mornings. We had a great month- tify the thousands of genes ex- but primarily Manduca sexta. That long trip around Europe in the pressed in the bee brain. We are project, now taken on by PhD summer of 1999, and down the making both a physical repository student Harland Patch, has finally East Coast this past summer. I got of these genes and a computer yielded the first olfactory receptor 3 days of good windsurfing in database, available to the entire from a moth. We are working on Connecticut, New York, and Cape scientific community, with all of expression and functional charac- Haterras, while Erica enjoyed the the gene sequences and informa- terization to determine whether it warm beach in North Carolina, tion on which genes have known might be a pheromone receptor, and Christina and Gabriel enjoyed functions (based on their similarity while continuing to pursue addi- visiting with cousins there. to known genes from other organ- tional moth receptors. Meanwhile isms like fruit flies). This project another PhD student, Karlene benefits greatly from the expertise Ramsdell, has used EST approaches Gene E. Robinson of two departmental colleagues, to discover numerous odorant- Hugh Robertson and Susan binding proteins (OBPs) expressed IN the last newsletter Fahrbach, in molecular biology in the antennae of the corn root- I was able to report and neuroscience, respectively. All worm, Diabrotica virgifera. In a col- on exciting travel of the work is being done at our laboration with Stewart Berlocher taken in conjunction new state-of-the-art Keck Center we are also examining these OBPs with my sabbatical. for Comparative and Functional in his tephritid flies. And the com- This time, I’d like to Genomics, which was created as a pletion of the Drosophila melano- tell you about another voyage, just result of a proposal submitted to

8—Entomology Newsletter 2000 the Keck Foundation by a campus- in one of the most idyllic spots phy, and keeping too many aquari- wide group of faculty that included imaginable: Bellagio, Italy, in a ums going. several from our department. magnificently restored medieval Thousands of bee genes have been villa overlooking Lake Como. The isolated and identified already; Bellagio Conference Center, owned Gilbert Waldbauer this project promises to unearth a and operated by the Rockefeller treasure trove of material that will Foundation, is sort of like a Club THE year 2000 has aid us immeasurably in our efforts Med for intellectuals. Artists and been good to me. to understand the neurobiological, scholars of all stripes who come for My fourth book, endocrine, and genetic bases of short meetings or longer periods of Millions of Mon- honey bee social behavior. residence are treated to outstand- archs, Bunches of The Critical Research Initiatives ing facilities, sumptuous cuisine, Beetles, How Bugs grant also played a crucial role in and unforgettable scenery; just Find Strength in Numbers, was successfully competing for a what is needed to help shape those published by Harvard University Burroughs Wellcome Innovation next big thoughts. Are you won- Press in March. So far it’s gotten Award in Functional Genomics. dering which voyage has been more good reviews. Those that most This grant, running from 2000 to enjoyable? I’ll never tell. pleased me appeared in the New 2003, is enabling us to make bee York Times and The London Times— gene chips, with which we can real ego trips! I am trying to bring study how the expression of thou- James Sternburg biology to nonprofessionals by sands of genes in the bee brain being scientifically sound and changes as a function of the differ- SINCE my retire- informative but readily accessible ent jobs that are performed in the ment in 1989 I have by avoiding technical terms in as beehive. The expectation is that continued, at a far as possible and doing my best careful analysis of the myriad pat- rather reduced level, to be interesting. My first book, terns of gene expression that are with departmental Insects Through the Seasons, was detected will provide insights into participation. I published by Harvard in 1996, how the genome dynamically occasionally serve on doctoral The Handy Bug Answer Book by modulates physiological pathways prelim committees and master’s Visible Ink Press in 1998, and The that are of special importance to exams. The past year has been Birder’s Bug Book by Harvard in division of labor. And because bee especially rewarding, in that I 1998. Harvard has accepted my behavior is exquisitely sensitive to have, with John Bouseman, co- fifth book, which is about two- changes in the social environment, authored a Guide to the Butterflies thirds written; the deadline for I also hope that results from this of Illinois. We have completed the completion is the end of August new research will also go beyond manuscript, selected the photo- 2001. It’s about the diverse roles of the beehive, and contribute to a graphs, and met many times with insects in ecosystems, ranging from more sophisticated understanding Charlie Warwick, the consulting pollination and seed dispersal to of how nature and nurture interact editor. The book is expected to be breaking down dead plant and to influence behavior. available in December or soon animal matter. I know what you’re thinking: Is thereafter. It will cover all the true My retirement is very enjoyable. Robinson such a nerd that his only butterflies of Illinois, but not the I keep busy with writing, but fit in travels in the past few years have skippers. It will be published by quite a few trips to “birding hot been mental flights of fancy? No the Illinois Natural History Survey, spots” such as the Rio Grande way! In fact, Susan Fahrbach and I and printed by the University of Valley, southeastern Arizona, and participated in a small interna- Illinois Press. My other interests Alaska. tional workshop on “genes, brain, are, as usual, gardening, photogra- and behavior in honey bees” held

Entomology Newsletter 2000—9 to work as an extra-help Staff clerical for 2 weeks while the office staff worked registration at the Todd Fulton Armory. Those 2 weeks have now stretched to 8 years. After 2 years as I came to the department in 1988 extra help, I was hired to work in the insectary while pur- as a part-time secretary. suing a nursing degree. I have Working with the worked at Carle Clinic Pediatrics faculty, staff, and a for 5 years and now work with Dr. continuous stream of Donna Beck, a pediatrician spe- graduate students has cializing in infectious disease, and been a very rewarding still work part-time in the insectary. experience. I am married with four children. When I leave work in My wife, Vicky, is a nurse for Dottie, Jackie, and Tish the early afternoon, I return to my Health Alliance. Chad is a para- job as “Mom” to two teenage medic, Andy attends Parkland daughters: Mary is 16, a sopho- married in June 1999. Shortly College, Rachel is a senior at more in high school, and finally after our marriage, Paul left his job Mahomet-Seymour High School, driving herself to and from softball as Champaign County Deputy and Kelly is 8. practice and games; Kathy is 14 Coroner and returned to his for- and takes jazz and hip-hop dance mer job as a Paramedic with Arrow Jacqueline Bowdry lessons. She is also looking forward Ambulance. He is also a volunteer to starting high school next fall. firefighter in Mahomet, which Both girls are in band; Mary plays takes him out at all hours every I guess you could say I’m the newest, drums and Kathy plays the alto day of the year. yet oldest staff on the block. After saxophone, so we are looking I have two children, Jaime, a a 10-year hiatus from the depart- forward to marching band season. sophomore at Illinois State Univer- ment, I’m back. I’ve found that some My husband Bob stays busy as the sity in Elementary Education, and things have changed, but many of General Manager for Worden- Jeremy, a freshman at Mahomet- them have remained the same. I Martin Lincoln-Mercury-GMC in Seymour high school. I also have would like to thank Dorothy Champaign. In my spare time, I two stepchildren, Ashley and Houchens for having the utmost enjoy reading suspense novels and Cody, who are 11 years old. They confidence in me, and convincing traveling. live with their mother in Paxton. the department to ask me back The family pet is a 5-year-old cat home. The staff has been very named Chewbacca (a.k.a. Chewy) supportive, and I thank them for Tish Cundiff with a definite attitude all her own! that. I’m looking forward to a In my spare time, I attend productive and prosperous year in I have been with the department marching band competitions to the department. since July 1996 and have gained watch my son perform, visit my new insights on the “world of daughter at ISU, and spend many Dorothy Nadarski bugs.” With the help of co-workers, hours at the fire station while hubby I received a crash course in pin- is fighting a fire or saving a life. I ning insects for my son’s high enjoy studying floor plans and IN January 1993, the Department school biology insect collection. designing homes, attending open of Entomology called and asked me My husband Paul and I were houses, reading, and crafts.

10—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Affiliates and Other Academics

James Appleby to try to understand the behavioral served for 4 years in the army. rules of individual workers that Next, I traveled for 3 years in I teach a course on result in organized and effective North and South America and in insects and mites of colony behavior. eastern Asia. I returned to Israel to trees, shrubs, and This spring I will be teaching the study at Tel Aviv University where flowers in Natural evolution half of BIOL 120, now I earned a BS in biology and a MS Resources and En- for the seventh time. This is chal- and PhD in zoology. For my vironmental Sciences. lenging but fun, preaching to the master’s thesis I explored quantita- I continue my studies of the life class about the delights of organis- tive genetics of insecticide resis- histories of economically impor- mal and evolutionary biology (es- tance in whiteflies. In my PhD tant insects and mites of trees and pecially of insects) before they project, I combined sociobiology shrubs. I enjoy land and underwa- become settled into more familiar and physiology to explore mecha- ter photography, scuba diving, and less rewarding career paths. I nisms of regulation of reproduction swimming, model railroading, and will also enjoy co-teaching animal in bumble bees. I was fascinated water gardening. behavior with Dr. Michelle Elekonich. with the bee sociobiology, and in Last year was the second time October 1997, I came to Illinois that the department offered to work with Gene Robinson on Edward J. Armbrust ENTOM 301, its introductory genes, hormones, and social behav- course, in the summer. I also ior in honey bees. I retired from the Illinois Natural taught it for the second time, this In my current research, I study History Survey on December 31, time bolstered by the insect exper- how clock genes, hormones, and 2000. tise and steady presence of Mark changes in behavioral rhythms Metz as TA. Summer is a great influence division of labor, a key time for entomology; we had great mechanism underlying social Samuel N. Beshers field trips, great success collecting, organization in bees. and a chance to experiment with I am married to Dorit and have MY current research new lab exercises. Summer school three children: Aviv (8.5), Rotem focuses on the divi- also seems to attract some of the (5), and Tal, who is almost 10- sion of labor and best students. months-old. colony organization in When not busy in Morrill Hall, leaf-cutting ants in I can usually be found chasing our the genus Atta. My golden retriever puppy around Ray Cloyd Atta colonies have been growing, Urbana or hitting wiffle golf balls and they do like to cut leaves. They into my neighbors’ yards. MY research interests consume nearly as much as a small are in developing goat, and consequently I have been integrated pest busy defoliating the town and the Guy Bloch management systems campus. In collaboration with Gene that limit insect and mite damage Robinson, and using a combination I was born and grew to horticultural crops. Current of experiments and computer sim- up in Israel. Follow- research is focused on understand- ulations, I am studying these ants ing my graduation ing the interactions of soil-borne from high school, I pests, including fungus gnats, with

Entomology Newsletter 2000—11 their natural enemies under dif- Fahrbach. My re- field and forage crops and offer ferent watering regimes and growing search focuses on the management recommendations. medium. Research emphases are: role of early larval I serve biennially as the program insect-plant interactions; effects of environment—both coordinator for the Crop Protection plants on natural enemy foraging nutritional and hor- Technology Conference. This annual behavior; testing new pest control monal—to modify conference held at the University materials; and compatibility of pest the rate of development of adult of Illinois has an enrollment of control materials with biological behavior in the honey bee. Along approximately 1,000 participants control agents. with this project, my collaboration who represent diverse cross-sections with Guy Bloch has shown that of the crop production and protec- honey bees experience a diurnal tion arenas. I also regularly con- Catherine Eastman rhythm of juvenile hormone tribute articles during the growing secretion. My collaboration with season to the UI Extension spon- I am an associate Dave Schulz has shown that the sored Pest Management and Crop professional scientist juvenile hormone levels character- Development Bulletin. at the Illinois Natural izing foragers are not the result of Although I have no formal teach- History Survey and the foraging experience but the ing appointment, I frequently co- conduct research in- hormone levels increase before the teach an extramural (off-campus) volving vegetable pest workers begin to perform foraging course, Crop Sciences 329, Funda- management, with emphasis on behaviors. I came to the depart- mentals of Insect Pest Management, alternatives to pesticide use. Current ment in 1997 after finishing my with Drs. Kevin Steffey and Susan projects include evaluation of pos- PhD in animal behavior in the Ratcliffe. I also guest lecture each sible pest management applications Department of Psychology at the semester for Crop Sciences 121, (for insect and weed management) University of Washington-Seattle. Principles of Field Crop Sciences. of high-glucosinolate varieties of In many ways, Champaign-Urbana My current research thrusts are crucifers, such as broccoli, cab- resembles the place where I grew focused on improving our under- bage, and horseradish. In addition, up—Toledo, OH. standing of mechanisms behind I am working with horticulturists, the collapse of crop rotation as a plant breeders, weed specialists, viable pest management strategy and plant pathologists to address Michael Gray for the western corn rootworm. I pest management and productivity serve as coordinator for the Uni- problems that are affecting horse- I am a professor of versity’s C-FAR Sentinel Research radish production. I am past chair agricultural entomol- Project, which is focused on pro- of Section C (Biology, Ecology, ogy with a 75% viding answers to this complex and Behavior) of the Entomologi- extension and 25% problem. This multi-year investiga- cal Society of America. A trans- research appointment. I received a tion requires the cooperation of 11 plant from the Deep South, I BA from the University of North- other scientists whose areas of enjoy fall weather, companion ern Iowa in biology (1977), and a expertise include modeling, behav- animals, walking, gardening, and MS (1982) and PhD (1986) from ior, ecology, meteorology, agricul- good books of all types. Iowa State University in entomol- tural economics, and molecular ogy. I serve as the Extension IPM biology. Coordinator for the College of Kevin Steffey and I will serve as Michelle Elekonich ACES and as the spokesperson for co-chairs of the 2001 Entomologi- this multidisciplinary outreach cal Society of America’s national I am a research associate on a program. I advise producers meeting in San Diego. We wel- USDA-funded project working throughout Illinois of potential come suggestions for symposia and with Gene Robinson and Susan economic insect infestations to other meeting events.

12—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Michael E. Irwin systematics will be better resolved. IPM has involved helping lesser- The natural history and evolution developed countries initiate IPM of these flies, some 4000 species programs. I received a BS from worldwide, should be better under- the University of stood, and this should place the California, Davis family in a position to contribute Michael Jeffords (1963) and a PhD substantially to improved monitor- from the University ing of environmental health, es- I am a professional of California, River- pecially in Mediterranean and scientist and the side (1971). My research focuses desert climates. public relations and on biodiversity and the systematics Although the study of stiletto education liaison for and evolution of a family of flies: flies is currently my main research the Illinois Natural stiletto flies or the Therevidae. I activity, biodiversity is also some- History Survey. For am attempting to develop an under- thing I am pursuing. Biodiversity over 20 years I have conducted standing of the evolution of this studies involve the movement and research on such topics as butterfly family from the perspective of distribution of insects between and mimicry, soybean entomology, vicariant events, especially the within agricultural landscapes and forest ecology and the gypsy moth, breakup of Gondwanaland. Thus, the impact that biota has when it insect pathology, and biological biogeography weighs heavily in my arrives in another system. My control. In my current position, I research. interests in biodiversity also center take scientific information about Stiletto flies are extremely impor- around our understanding how to the state and translate it into tant in the maintenance of ecologi- gauge the health of an ecosystem or materials for a wide range of cal balances in natural ecosystems. habitat. I am searching for biologi- audiences, including curricular They are voracious predators of cal indicators, those groups of materials, educational activities, underground insects, especially in organisms that can help interpret exhibits and presentations. sandy soils and in areas of high leaf the state of a system. These bio- litter. The larvae are long and ex- indicators will be of real use for tremely well-muscled, allowing them monitoring the degradation and/or Kevin Johnson to “swim” through these substrates improvement of specific habitats. rapidly. For restoration efforts, it will be I received my PhD in the Depart- The research on stiletto flies has important to quantify the improve- ment of Ecology, Evolution, and allowed me to explore the world in ments being made once we know Behavior at the University of search of them. For instance, I took what bioindicators truly signify. Minnesota in 1997. Working a 9-week expedition in late 1999 Three additional areas of study I under Frank McKinney, I studied to three important evolutionary cen- have pursued in the past include behavioral evolution in dabbling ters of these flies: South Africa, plant virus epidemiology; migra- ducks using a phylogenetic ap- Madagascar, and Chile. This new tion of insects; and integrated pest proach. For this study, I received a material is allowing us to make management (IPM), especially NSF doctoral dissertation improve- marked progress in our investiga- related to problems in lesser- ment grant. This work demon- tions. You can view our website for developed countries. Plant virus strated the importance of environ- a better understanding of these flies epidemiology has involved the mental conditions on the evolution (www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cee/therevid/). relationship of aphid movement of behavioral traits. After my thesis I currently have a grant from the behavior to the role they play in I took a postdoctoral fellowship at National Science Foundation that spreading plant viruses. Insect the University of Utah in the will operate over the next 5 years. migration has emphasized the Department of Biology under Dale During this time, I expect that many aerial movement of aphids over Clayton. While in Utah, my focus of the problem areas of stiletto fly hundreds of miles. International shifted to the interaction between

Entomology Newsletter 2000—13 birds and their ectoparasitic insects, for enhancing expertise in taxon- agement tool for these pests. Bean specifically lice (Phthiraptera). I omy grant to study the dipteran pod mottle virus (BPMV) is a constructed phylogenies for doves family Therevidae, it is being used disease of soybeans in which the and their lice to determine the by other scientists to track diverse stems of infected plants remain degree of cospeciation. A unique organisms such as liverworts and green after the plant is mature. In aspect of this study is that I in- aplacophorans. My other responsi- addition to causing harvest prob- cluded two different groups of bilities include web design and lems, plants with BPMV are pre- parasitic lice living on the same maintenance for the therevid pro- disposed to other diseases, which hosts. Differences in the underly- ject (www.inhs.uiuc.edu/ cee/therevid/) lower seed quality. In late 1999 we ing biology of these parasitic insects for NCR-148, the movement and discovered that some western corn can be compared to differences in dispersal of biota (www.inhs.uiuc.edu/ rootworm beetles we collected in macroevolutionary patterns (co- cee/movement/), and the Survey’s soybean fields contained this virus. speciation) to understand the Center for Economic Entomology We are conducting BPMV trans- interface between micro- and (www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cee/). I am also mission tests to determine if macroevolution. active in the Entomological Society western corn rootworms are cap- In May 2000, I started as an of America, serving as vice chair able of spreading this disease. If they assistant research scientist at the (1998-99) and chair (2000-01) of can, this could be quite serious Illinois Natural History Survey. I the Standing Committee on Mem- since western corn rootworm plan to continue my work on the bership; on the Strategic Planning beetles can move quite far over the systematics and population genet- Committee (2000-01); and orga- course of the growing season. ics of avian lice and their hosts; I nized a symposium for the 2000 have received an Arnold O. Beckman joint annual meeting (JAM) of ESA research award from the University in Montreal on scientific illustra- Jim Nardi of Illinois to start a population tion. After stepping down as genetic study of waterfowl lice. Secretary/Treasurer of NCR-148 IN graduate school, I This work will focus on comparing (1985-2000), I was elected to chair began studying the the population genetic structure of that committee in 2002. cell interactions different genera of lice living on involved in forma- the same hosts and relate this struc- tion of Manduca ture to underlying differences in Eli Levine wing patterns. These mode of transmission. studies led to my present investiga- MY research contin- tions of neural pathfinding in the ues to focus on the developing Manduca wing and the Gail Kampmeier biology, field ecology, cell surface proteins involved in and pest-host relationships of neural-substrate interactions. I am a research insect pests of corn and soybeans, These proteins are expressed not entomologist at the knowledge that must be acquired only on wing cells during growth Illinois Natural before these insects can be man- of axons and rearrangement of History Survey. I aged in a more ecologically sound wing epidural cells but also at times designed a cross- manner. I continue to study the when cells in other tissues are platform systematics mechanisms for the prolonged undergoing interactions and database system, called Mandala, diapause trait in northern corn rearrangements. Each protein, for tracking specimens, taxonomic rootworm eggs and the adaptation therefore, appears to be multi- names, and scientific literature of western corn rootworms to lay functional and used at different (pherocera.inhs.uiuc.edu/index.htm). their eggs in soybeans. These traits times in different tissues during Although the system was devel- and adaptations are significant the molding of an insect. oped as part of a NSF partnership threats to crop rotation as a man-

14—Entomology Newsletter 2000 A few years ago, I began collabo- Robert Novak and South America, the Antilles, ration with Patrick Dowd and East and South Africa, and Europe. Robert Bartelt at the USDA sta- My research interest is in medi- I received a PhD in entomology tion in Peoria to study the struc- cal veterinary entomology, espe- from Illinois in 1976; an MS in ture of a beetle gland that produces cially the family Culicidae (mos- biology, University of Utah (1971); an aggregation pheromone. We quitoes) and the pathogens they and a BS in biology, University of were surprised to discover that the transmit, as well as in urban/public Southern Colorado (1969). I am a cells producing this pheromone health entomology. My laboratory professional scientist at the Illinois turn out to be oenocytes. This was has long-term field and laboratory Natural History Survey; associate the first demonstration that oeno- investigations in mosquito ecology professor at both the Urbana- cytes have been recruited for and genetics, insect pathology, toxi- Champaign and Chicago campuses pheromone production. In the last cology and management, molecular of Illinois, with affiliate appoint- year these pheromone studies have and classical virology/bacteriology, ments in Entomology, Natural been extended to examining the and mosquito vector competence. Resources and Environmental production of pheromones by Studies on other infectious patho- Sciences, Institute of Environmen- midgut cells of scolytid beetles in gens of public health importance tal Studies, and School of Public collaboration with Gary Blomquist are also being investigated. Health; and Director, Medical at the University of Nevada. Entomology Program, Illinois In addition to our collaborative Natural History Survey. I previ- project dealing with the molecular Allan Ross ously was an NIH postdoctoral and cellular basis of insect olfac- associate, University of Notre Dame, tion, Hugh Robertson and I have ALLAN has left his position in the and a research scientist, Centers for also been studying a novel surface Robinson Lab and has moved to Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, and protein that is not only very large San Diego, CA, where he joined San Juan, PR. I am a member of and complex but that is also dyna- his wife, who accepted an account- the American Mosquito Control mically expressed in a variety of ing position. They have taken up Association, and served on the tissues. This protein, which we residence in a houseboat. Scientific and Regulatory Commit- have named lacunin, has multiple tee (chair, 1992-93), Resolutions domains that probably exert mul- Committee, and Aedes albopictus tiple effects on cell behavior. We Daniel Schneider Committee. I received an AMCA have examined its role in remodel- Presidential Citation, 1993, and ing of tissues during development I am an aquatic ecologist who works was elected vice-president in 1994 and suspect that it also plays a on the population and community and president in 1996. I am also a pivotal role in the insect immune ecology of invertebrates in rivers, member of the Illinois Mosquito system. A grant from the USDA lakes, and wetlands. I am using and Vector Control Association will enable us to investigate this metapopulation approaches to (president, vice-president, execu- possibility. examine the zebra mussel in the tive board), Entomological Society With Michael Kanost at Kansas connected waters of Lake Michigan of America, Society of Vector Ecol- State University, I have initiated a and the Illinois River. In collabora- ogy, and the American Society of study of the cellular and molecular tion with Chris Rehmann in Civil Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. I basis of the insect immune response Engineering, we are comparing have served as a consultant for the known as encapsulation. We are water circulation patterns in the World Health Organization, the investigating the involvement of Illinois River and the tidal Hudson Pan American Health Organiza- five hemocyte surface proteins in River to investigate the role of tion, USAID, and US Army. I have the encapsulation of parasitoids. water circulation in dispersal of worked in 12 countries in Central zebra mussel larvae and the impli- cations for population structure.

Entomology Newsletter 2000—15 I am also interested in the ecology areas including classification, patho- rootworms, European corn borers of disturbances, particularly the genesis, host-parasite interactions, (including transgenic Bt corn), and effects of flooding and drying on physiology, epizootiology, and alfalfa insects. In 2001, I will ini- aquatic insect communities in manipulation of the pathogens as tiate applied research studies to temporary ponds and floodplain biological control agents. My par- help develop management strate- pools, and the restoration of the ticular interest is in the develop- gies for an introduced pest of soy- Illinois River floodplain. I am ment and spread of microsporidia in beans, the soybean aphid, Aphis working on the environmental host tissues and the immune re- glycines. I am author or co-author history of the Illinois River, and sponses of nontarget hosts. I have of 29 scientific publications, more have just completed an article on been studying the host specificity than 25 invited publications (in- the politics of environmental trans- of several microsporidia in the cluding 9 book chapters), and more formation and its influence on the aboriginal range of both the gypsy than 175 extension publications. I science of entomologist Stephen A. moth host and these pathogens (in am the executive editor of the Forbes. Bulgaria and Slovakia, primarily), weekly extension newsletter, Pest I am a faculty member in the and am also looking at the variabil- Management & Crop Development Department of Urban and Re- ity between isolates from different Bulletin. I have been active in the gional Planning and a scientist at host populations of one species or Entomological Society of America the Illinois Natural History Survey. species complex. I taught insect (ESA). I served on the Governing pathology for Entomology in Board (1990-93), the Editorial spring 2000 and look forward to Board for the Journal of Economic Leellen (Lee) Solter the next great group of graduate Entomology (1994-99), and am and undergraduate students in a currently contributing editor of I am an insect pa- couple of years. “Postmarked Extension USA” in thologist at the American Entomologist. I was co- Illinois Natural ordinating editor of ESA’s 164- History Survey and Kevin L. Steffey page Handbook of Corn Insects. I am also an affiliate received the ESA’s distinguished assistant professor I am an extension achievement award in extension in with the Department of Natural specialist and profes- 1996, and served as president of Resources and Environmental sor of agricultural the North Central Branch of ESA Sciences and the Department of entomology in the in 1997-98. I will serve as program Entomology. I earned my MS Department of Crop co-chair for the ESA national degree from Montclair State Uni- Sciences at Illinois. I meeting to be held in San Diego in versity in New Jersey and my also have a zero-time appointment 2001. In spring 1998, I was awarded doctoral degree in entomology at in the Illinois Natural History one of three Paul A. Funk recogni- Illinois. Although I work with Survey. I received my BS in ento- tion awards, the most distin- several groups of insect pathogens mology from Purdue University guished award given by the Col- including fungi and nematodes, (1972), my MS in entomology lege of Agricultural, Consumer my research primarily involves from the University of Missouri and Environmental Sciences. studies of microsporidia, which are (1975), and my PhD in entomol- single-celled, eukaryotic parasites ogy from Iowa State University of an as yet undetermined phylo- (1979). I came to Illinois in 1979 Dave Voegtlin genetic lineage. The majority of and have focused my educational described species are pathogens of and applied research programs on AFTER 20 years as an arthropods, especially insects, and insect management in corn, alfalfa, entomologist at the they are obligate parasites. My and other field crops. My research Illinois Natural His- research involves a variety of study focuses on management of corn tory Survey I have come to the

16—Entomology Newsletter 2000 conclusion that there are too many of the many small towns that dot and watching ruby-throated aphids and too little time to study the countryside surrounding hummingbirds visit my feeders. I them. My focus is on this insect Champaign-Urbana. I graduated decorate cakes as a joint hobby family of which there are over 400 from Millikin University, Decatur, with my sister and spend time species known in Illinois. Although IL, in December 1993 with a BS fishing with my husband during taxonomy is of primary interest, in biology. While fascinated by the summer. My hobbies have such biological aspects as host insects, I also wanted to incorpo- recently been put on hold as we relationships, distribution, phenol- rate molecular biology into my have a new addition to the Walden ogy, overwintering biology, and master’s project, which I began in family. Spencer Michael was born movement provide information in January 1994. I found the perfect at 9:20 AM on November 16, defining members of species com- balance in Dr. Hugh Robertson’s 2000. He weighed 7 pounds 10 plexes. On-going work is focused on lab addressing a controversial issue ounces and was 20 ½ inches long. the phenology and seasonal hosts that coincided with Steven Spielberg’s of CMV vectors in southern Illi- blockbuster film Jurassic Park. nois. This work will provide a basis Several scientific claims had been Rick Weinzierl for integrated pest management made that ancient DNA from strategies for specialty crops in amber-fossilized insects many mil- I came to the Univer- areas susceptible to aphid-borne lions of years old could be amplified sity of Illinois in viruses. by the polymerase chain reaction. 1984 and was pro- The recent arrival of Aphis gly- If these claims were true, well- moted to professor in cines, the soybean aphid, in the preserved fossils would become a Crop Sciences last Midwest will most likely change treasure trove to molecular biolo- year. I also received my life for the foreseeable future. gists and others for answering the College of Agricultural, Con- Until the arrival of this Asian species ecological and evolutionary ques- sumer, and Environmental Sci- there were no aphid species that tions. Because these results had not ences Spitler Teaching Award last colonized soybeans. It is a direct been replicated independently in spring. My research focuses on pest and a known vector of soy- other laboratories, most scientists integrated pest management in bean diseases and has a complex remained skeptical. fruit and vegetable crops, and the life cycle that makes it of consider- I focused on one particular amber- majority of my work is devoted to able interest in both applied and fossilized insect, Proplebeia domini- extension education programs in theoretical aspects. cana, a small bee that was report- fruit and vegetable insect manage- Taxonomic interests continue to edly a source for successful PCRs. ment. For those of you who be the identity of aphids of Illinois After many attempts to extract remember the two very young sons as well as members of the genera DNA, amplify it with PCR primers that accompanied me and my wife Cinara and Mindarus. I am also to a multi-copy gene, and obtain everywhere during their early years working on a guide to the aphids sequence, I was only able to identify here, Aaron is now a freshman in of Costa Rica with hopeful com- obvious contaminating sources of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois, pletion in 2001. DNA. To date, the initial claim has and Adam is about ready for a not been replicated, and many driver’s license...time flies. My new fossil DNA hunters have turned graduate student, Kelly Cook Kim Walden their attention to much younger (Crop Sciences), will be working and more reliable sources of “an- on the seasonal patterns of trans- WITHIN the depart- cient” DNA. mission of Stewart’s wilt by the corn ment, I’m one of the I finished my MS in December flea beetle in sweet corn. few “natives” of this 1995, and I currently serve as Dr. area, growing up and Robertson’s lab technician. Out- later residing in two side of the lab, I enjoy gardening

Entomology Newsletter 2000—17 Charlie Whitfield and more traditional genetic map- an assistant profes- ping strategies to try to understand sional scientist in the the relationship between genes, Center for Economic BEFORE college I served 6 years in environment, and social behavior Entomology. In add- the Navy, most of this time aboard in the honey bee. ition to being an the nuclear-powered submarine affiliate of Entomol- USS Aspro. After leaving the Navy ogy, I have an adjunct appoint- I attended the University of Cali- Robert N. Wiedenmann ment in the Department of Natu- fornia at Davis, obtaining a BS in ral Resources and Environmental genetics in 1994. As an undergrad IN my laboratory at Sciences. I am a graduate of McGill I spent 2 years working in the lab- the Illinois Natural University, Montreal, Canada, oratory of Dr. Ken Burtis studying History Survey, we where I received my PhD in 1995. the molecular genetic mechanisms conduct basic and I conducted much of my doctoral that underlie sex determination in applied research on research, and subsequent postdoc- the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. biological control of toral research, at Ohio State Uni- I then attended Stanford Univer- insects and weed pests, and on the versity’s Ohio Agricultural Re- sity where I obtained a PhD in biology of parasitic and predaceous search Station, where I studied soil 2000. In my thesis work I used the insects. Currently, we are work- ecology in agroecosystems. small soil nematode Caenorhabditis ing on biological control of purple My research focuses on the ecol- elegans as a model system to study loosestrife, a wetland weed, using ogy of soil invertebrates: their role receptor localization in epithelial chrysomelid beetles. I still main- in such ecosystem processes as cells during development. One sig- tain a project looking at parasitic decomposition and nutrient cycling; nificant result of this work was the Hymenoptera that attack stem- the influence of management and molecular identification of the boring Lepidoptera, and continue environmental factors on their gene lin-10, which is evolution- to be interested in the use of novel community structure; and practi- arily conserved in C. elegans and (non-coadapted) and ancestral cal applications in agricultural and humans and plays an important (coadapted) host-parasite associa- other managed systems. Current role in receptor localization in tions for biological control, as well research includes an investigation both epithelial cells and neurons. as facultative phytophagy by pre- of the influence of insecticides and In spring 2000 I began a postdoc daceous Heteroptera. Some other Bt-endotoxin expression on soil with Dr. Gene Robinson. My pro- projects include understanding the invertebrate community structure ject involves studying molecular physiological and immunological and plant residue decomposition genetic mechanisms that underlie interactions between several species in corn cropping systems; green- social behavior in the honey bee of microgastrine braconid parasites house studies of fungus gnats, an Apis mellifera. Honey bees exhibit of stemborers; impacts of garlic important floriculture pest, and diverse and well-defined behaviors mustard on local flora (as back- two of its soil-dwelling natural that depend on age, social environ- ground for the anticipated initiation enemies, a predatory mite and an ment, and inherited genetic factors. of a project on biological control entomopathogenic nematode; a A new and powerful technology of garlic mustard); and impacts of survey of Illinois earthworms; called DNA microarrays allows purple loosestrife on nesting wet- characterization of a nematode one to assay the expression levels land birds. that parasitizes earthworms; and an of thousands or tens of thousands effort to identify soil invertebrate of genes simultaneously, and this indicators of soil quality. At technology can be applied to spe- Ed Zaborski present, I have one PhD student, cific tissues like the brain of the Amy Chen, in NRES. honey bee. During my postdoc I IN September 1996, I joined the will be applying DNA microarrays Illinois Natural History Survey as

18—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Art Zangerl insects. In particular we are exam- events, we decided to study the ining the effects of feeding on dif- effects of this technology on one of ferent plants on cytochrome P450 our stock study species, the black THIS last year has in- metabolism and resistance to pesti- swallowtail. The study, coauthored cluded some digres- cides. My collaborators are Julie with Lydia Wraight (our stellar sions in my research. Cianfrogna (biology masters stu- entomology undergraduate), Mark Don’t worry, I’m still dent), Richard Lampman (Natural Carroll (graduate student), and very actively pursuing questions History Survey), and May Berenbaum. May Berenbaum, and published about chemical co-evolution be- The other digression involves the last spring in PNAS, turns out to tween wild parsnip and parsnip controversy over Bt corn pollen be the first, and some would argue, webworms, but a pair of applied and non-target effects on Lepidop- the only, field study to be pub- entomological problems made their tera. Because I work almost exclu- lished thus far. The variety of Bt way into the lab last year. One of sively with leps and work in a corn we studied happens to be far them has to do with the effects of county in which over 80% of the and away the most widely planted feeding by western corn rootworms acreage is in row crops, I was natu- of the Bt varieties (over 95%), and on soybeans and alfalfa in fields rally concerned when a Cornell we are happy to report that it had adjacent to corn. It appears that study suggested that Bt corn pollen no discernible effects on growth or these beetles not only have taken could kill monarchs outside of mortality of swallowtail larvae. In to laying their eggs in soybean cornfields. I was further alarmed summer 2000, we completed a fields, wreaking havoc on crop when I found out in spring 1999 second field study on a corn variety rotation methods, they also feed to that a Bt cornfield had been planted that is known to have substantially some degree in these fields. Our adjacent to my Phillips Tract study more endotoxin in its pollen—stay interest is in the consequences of plots. In the interest of making the tuned for results. this new behavior for the de- best of this worrisome turn of toxification capabilities of these

Results of the Student Competition for the President’s Prize National Entomological Society Meeting, Montreal, December 2000 Presentations Distribution of Winners (first place and honorable 18 sessions, 190 students originally entered; 54 mention) judges, 36 moderators and projectionists Canada 17 USA 49 Display Presentations UK 1 16 sessions, 182 students originally entered; 48 Azores 1 judges

Institutions with More than One Winner (first place or honorable mention) Simon Fraser University 5 Clemson University 2 University of Illinois 4 Cornell University 2 Kansas State University 4 Louisiana State University 2 University of Alberta 3 University of Minnesota 2 University of California-Davis 3 University of Nebraska 2 University of Kentucky 3 Ohio State University 2 Michigan State University 3 Penn State University 2 Universite du Quebec 3 Virginia Polytechnic Institute 2 Univesity of California-Berkeley 2

Entomology Newsletter 2000—19 UIUC Entomologists in the News

May Berenbaum Washington Post, Aug. 11, 1999, quoted in “U-Md program buggy for insects.” Dallas Morning News, June 21, 1999, quoted in “Science fare.” The New York Times Science, June 6, 2000, “Type of biotech corn found to be safe to a butterfly species.” The Wall Street Journal, June 6, 2000, “Study on corn should bolster bio- crop firms.” BBC News Online, June 6, 2000, “Butterflies survive next to GM corn.” The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL), March 13, 2000, “How sweet it is!” Chemistry and Engineering News, Nov. Entomological Society of America The News-Gazette, Sept. 26, 1999, 13, 2000, quoted in “Meet Tom Newsletter, March 2000, vol. 23, “Bees’ social skills set profs abuzz; and Jerry.” no. 3, “Reflectors on bees help life in UI’s South Farms beehives Science News, Oct. 21, 2000, quoted scientists track insects’ training hums along.” in “Second bird genus shares dart- flights.” frog toxins.” Kevin Steffey Lawrence Journal-World, “Books on Fred Delcomyn ABC News.com, Aug. 28, 2000, insects creating a buzz.” www.newscientist.com, Sept. 9, 2000, quoted in “Confusing the enemy.” (www.ljworld.com) quote. Herald Sunday (Marathon, FL), Gilbert Waldbauer “Insect stories entertaining, infor- Larry Hanks Herald Sunday, quoted in “Insect mative.” (www.seacoastonline.com) LAS News, Summer 2000, “Living stories entertaining, informative.” with the enemy.” (www.seacoastonline.com) Elizabeth Capaldi The New York Times, Book Review, Nature, vol. 403, Feb. 3, 2000, letter, Robert Novak June 4, 2000, “It’s a Bug’s Life.” “Ontogeny of orientation flight in ABC News 20/20, “Out for blood,” The New York Times, Book Review, the honey bee revealed by harmonic aired July 2, 1999. June 4, 2000, “Six Legs Good. radar.” The London Free Press, Oct. 10, 1999, Also Eight.” National Public Radio, Feb. 2, 2000, “Officials fear mosquitoes will London Times, August 4, 2000, “Let’s talk show, “Entomologists attach spread virus.” work together.” transponders to bees in order to track their movements.” Hugh Robertson Arthur Zangerl Daily Mall, Feb. 3, 2000, quoted in Discover, Dec. 1, 1999, quoted in St. Louis Post-Dispatch Online, June 6, “The knowledge: Just like a taxi “Transposons.” 2000, “Genetically modified corn driver, a bee has to learn the fastest doesn’t harm butterfly species, U of way home.” Gene Robinson I study indicates.” USA Today, Feb. 3, 2000, “Buzzing around to catch the flight back.” New Scientist, June 12, 1999, experi- ment cited in “Bee nice to me.”

20—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Colloquium Speakers

Spring 2000 Fall 2000

The Eric S. McCloud, University of South- Robin L. Cooper, University of Ken- ern Indiana, “Spit happens: Differen- tucky, “The non-genomic and genomic Department tial induction of jasmonic acid and actions of 20-hydroxyecdysone in nicotine in Nicotiana sylvestris.” Drosophila and crustaceans during Diane L. Byers, Illinois State University, development.” on the World “Do populations purge their genetic Rüdiger Wehner, University of Zürich, load? Potential ramifications for frag- Switzerland, “Ant navigation: Mini mented prairie species.” brains-mega tasks-smart solutions. A Wide Web Rufus Isaacs, Michigan State University, multidisciplinary study in neurobiology.” “The sensory and behavioral basis of Hilary Reno, University of Illinois at host selection in a tiny generalist Urbana-Champaign, “An ecological, herbivore—How do whiteflies choose molecular, and biochemical compari- THE department’s web presence food?” son of Aedes triseriatus, mosquito (www.life.uiuc.edu/Entomology/ James H. Hunt, University of Missouri- vector of LaCrosse virus and Aedes home.html) was established by St. Louis, “Caste patterns and corre- hendersoni.” David Lampe in 1994. David is lates of caste ontogeny in social Robert F. Denno, University of Mary- wasps.” land, “Natural enemy versus host plant now an assistant professor at David W. Onstad, University of Illinois control of insect herbivores: Complex Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, at Urbana-Champaign, “Modeling interactions and spatial variation.” PA. The role of webmeister then evolution of resistance to crop rotation.” Hariet Hinz, Bioscience, Switzerland, fell on Hugh Robertson and Ellen Gary J. Blomquist, University of “Can garlic-loving weevils cut the Green. In 1999, the web site was Nevada, “Endocrine regulation of mustard?” pheromone production in bark beetles Jarmila Kukalová-Peck, Carleton Uni- completely revamped by David and houseflies.” versity, Canada, “Fossil insects and Schulz, a graduate student in Gene Pamela Geyer, University of Iowa, insect evolution.” Robinson’s lab, in order to provide “Insulators: Chromosomal punctuation Marty A. Condon, Cornell College, more information to prospective marks that define appropriate interac- Mount Vernon, IA, “Tropical trick or graduate students and other visitors. tions between transcriptional regula- treat: Pumpkins, bats, and tephritid tory elements.” diversity.” Rami Kfir, Plant Protection Institute, Marion O. Harris, North Dakota State The page connects to informa- South Africa, “South Africa as the University, “Host-plant relationships of tion about the department, faculty, origin of diamondback moth?” the Hessian fly: The contribution of affiliates and staff, the program of Paul E. Hardin, University of Houston, the adult female.” graduate study, course offerings, “Feedback loop circuitry within the Marianne Alleyne, University of Illinois Drosophila circadian clock.” at Urbana-Champaign, “Physiological financial aid, and applications for Roman Rakitov, Illinois Natural History factors determining suitability of admission. Links to the annual Survey, “Role of Malpighian tubule braconid endoparasitoids for develop- Insect Fear Film Festival and a set products in biology and evolution of ment in novel-association lepidopteran of 34 original insect drawings are leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae).” stemborers.” highlighted on the home page, as Robert J. O’Neil, Purdue University, Steve Wratten, Lincoln University, New “Life history and search strategies of Zealand, “Conservation biocontrol of are links to other parts of campus predators in crops.” pests—Managing the consequences at and the community, and to various Jerry A. Coyne, University of Chicago, four trophic levels.” other entomology-relevant sources “Intra- and interspecific sperm Chung-I Wu, University of Chicago, on the web. competition in Drosophila.” “Molecular genetics of speciation.” Kurt E. Redborg, Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, “The Mantispidae: A re- markably common family of Neuroptera.”

Entomology Newsletter 2000—21 Ellis MacLeod Memorial Lecture Pulitzer Winner Gives Lectures on 3-day UI Visit From The News-Gazette, October 18, 1999

EDWARD Wilson, one of the world’s man Nature earned the same prize leading scientists and thinkers on in 1979. It used insights he had mankind’s place in the biological gained as an entomologist to offer order, will visit the University of thought on such human behaviors Illinois next week. Wilson, a as altruism and aggression. fessor and an important influence Harvard University professor, will on Wilson’s life and career. In his give two lectures and take part in a A Newsweek magazine article last autobiography, Naturalist, Wilson symposium during his 3-day visit. year said Wilson had “spent said he acquired his first taste for decades floating seminal and entomology during expeditions in Trained as an entomologist sometimes incendiary ideas.” suburban Maryland with “his new specializing in the ant kingdom, best friend Ellis MacLeod.” As Wilson taught biology, zoology, In his latest book, Consilience: boys, they decided to devote their and entomology at Harvard for The Unity of Knowledge, Wilson lives to entomology. many years starting in 1953. argued that human affairs make sense only in the light of biology On Tuesday, Wilson will speak He has studied animals in their and other natural sciences. Wilson on “The Relation of Science to the natural settings–their behavior, said philosophers, psychologists Humanities” for the Richard G. social organization, and relationship and other social scientists hurt their and Carole J. Cline Symposium with the environment–not only to own work by ignoring those fields. Lecture at 7:30 pm in the audito- learn about them but also to apply rium of the Beckman Institute, the findings to human behavior. “As marvelous as our minds are, 405 N. Mathews Ave., U. as spiritual as we are, nonetheless, He received a Pulitzer Prize in we are organisms. We evolved He will speak on biological in- general nonfiction in 1991 for his biologically,” he said during a 1998 fluences on human behavior and book, The Ants. It was the culmi- interview on The NewsHour with their implications for social policy. nation of years of observation on Jim Lehrer. “So what we really He will also examine the role of social insects. His book On Hu- need is a more scientific under- political values in shaping political standing of human nature.” choices that will emerge from new developments in genetic engineering. Wilson will give the MacLeod Lecture at 7:30 On Wednesday, Wilson will take pm on Monday, October part in the Cline Symposium dis- 18, 1999, in the audito- cussion, “Can Science, Social Science rium of Smith Music Hall, and the Humanities Be Unified?” 805 S. Mathews Ave., U. from 10:30 am to noon in the He will speak on “The South Lounge of the Illini Union, Diversity of Life.” 1401 W. Green St., U. UI faculty in political science, economics, The late Ellis MacLeod English, psychology, and microbi- was a UI entomology pro- ology will also participate.

22—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Entomology Graduate Student Association

THE Entomology Graduate Stu- dents Association is a registered student organization at Illinois that brings together graduate students in the department. We meet a few times each semester to organize EGSA events (i.e., the Insect Fear Film Festival and our roles in the Insect Expo), to work as a channel for communication between stu- dents and faculty, and to discuss social and community outreach events.

The Hanks’ lab pulled a coup in this year’s nominations with four of five officers emerging from that Joe Sullivan leads a group of children at the Insect Fear Film Festival through the waggle lab. Our fearless figurehead, dance. President Emerson Lacey, likens himself to a cross between Jimmy dents a chance to participate, and promise that this year’s fest will be Carter and Ulysses S. Grant. Secre- to put on this year’s Insect Fear the equal to those in the past. tary Jodie Ellis has a way with Film Festival. words; her accurate and downright What else does this new year hilarious meeting minutes and On the subject, the 17th annual have in store for EGSA? Will we style report tells all. The financial IFFF went splendidly. A living bee achieve world domination, allevi- genius of the operation, Treasurer hive, a waggle-dancing Joe Sullivan, ate all pain and suffering in the John Tooker is also spearheading the always popular insect petting world, a global mind shift on the the movement to bring in a zoo and cool big pinned bug display, cool nature of insects? We say yes student-sponsored academic and a grumpy Dan Haggerty to this (or at least yes to plentiful speaker. Our dedicated GSAC fighting the killer bees delighted pizza at our meetings and maybe a representative, Matt Ginzel is still young and old alike. The IFFF is field trip or two). So, Entomology waiting to ply his considerable the time that the EGSA works the grads—old and new—eclose, shed skills. The honorable Chris Pierce hardest and has the most fun. We those protective cuticles, and is the sole officer from outside the organize the displays, design and emerge into the bright future of Hanks’ lab. As liaison between the sell the popular t-shirts, and keep the EGSA. Our organization is as faculty and the students, his reign the event running smoothly. strong as the student commitment has seen the change of the written to it. With a strong commitment prelim, a fiercely debated topic in The 18th annual IFFF will fea- to the organization and to the EGSA meetings. ture beetles as the vehicles of fear. students maybe, just maybe, you Two big feature productions head- too will someday be an elected This group’s mission is to lead line the show. The blockbusters officer of our fine organization. the EGSA into the insect world of along with the luscious assortment the 21st century, to give all stu- of movie shorts and activities

Entomology Newsletter 2000—23 biking, and working out; my most Graduate Students recent challenge has been learning the game of golf.

Jesse Albertson implications on how biological con- Mark Carroll trol programs should be designed. I am originally from North Dakota Vice versa, the area of biological I am originally from and received my BS in zoology control may guide us to some very Florida, where I from North Dakota State Univer- interesting basic biological studies. received my BA from sity. I then moved to Virginia and I have enjoyed TA-ing (specifically the New College of worked for the entomology depart- insect physiology with Dr. Susan USF after completing an under- ment at the National Museum of Fahrbach), giving guest lectures in graduate thesis on ichthyotoxic Natural History in Washington, physiology and biological control, compounds in red mangrove DC. My interests include the serving as EGSA president, being leaves. These interests in chemical systematics, conservation, and involved in the organization of ecology directed me to Illinois to outreach events (such as the Insect biodiversity of treehoppers. I work work with May Berenbaum and with Chris Dietrich and am con- Fear Film Festival and the Insect Art Zangerl, who have indulged ducting a revision of the subfamily Expo), etc. Over the years, my my varied interests in plant-insect Nicomiinae. I enjoy reading and association with the department interactions. In 1997, I completed spending time with my husband. and the Survey has enabled me to my master’s research on the use of travel to various meetings and host plant esters as olfactory cues by workshops all over the world, for Marianne Alleyne parsnip webworms. which I am very grateful. My My doctoral research examines hobbies include travel, triathlons, how dietary carotenoids affect the I am originally from NCAA basketball, Law and Order, physiology and behavior of insect the Netherlands. I and hanging out with Omar. For herbivores under oxidative stresses received my BA in more information, please visit our presented by phototoxic plant sec- integrative biology web site (www.inhs.uiuc.edu:3333/ ondary compounds and UV light. from the University cee/wiedenlab) or e-mail me I have conveniently focused on the of California-Berkeley ([email protected]). interaction between parsnips and and my MS in ento- parsnip webworms as my main mology from the University of Ashley Bennett model system, given the importance California-Riverside, where I of phototoxic furanocoumarins in worked with Dr. Nancy Beckage. I this interaction. Webworms that I have been at Illinois since the am a first year consume the carotenoid lutein show summer of 1995 and finished my graduate student and a greater behavioral tolerance of PhD with Robert Wiedenmann in an Illinois native. I photoactivating UVA light and fall 2000. The main focus of my recently joined the enhancement of their cytochrome research is on the physiological lab of Larry Hanks P450 detoxification system. Whether factors determining the suitability where I look forward these trends occur in other lepidop- of pyralid stemborers for endopara- to designing a master’s project that terans is not yet known. To pro- sitoid development. I consider deals with ornamental landscaping vide a little ecological context for myself an insect physiologist study- and pest management. In May my work, I plan to make compari- ing the insect immune response, 2000, I graduated from Millikin sons between webworms collected but my research is even more University with a BS in biology. In from populations under different interesting since it may have my spare time, I enjoy scuba diving, UV light regimes in the montane

24—Entomology Newsletter 2000 west. On a related note, maybe drial DNA, and microsatellites in fishing. I enjoy teaching biology, someday I will be able to tell you V. crabro collected throughout the gardening, and entomology to why lepidopteran testes are often US, and comparing rates of allelic classes, groups, and individuals, as bright red, orange, or yellow (hint: variation to populations of V. well as participating in events such it’s probably not aposematism). crabro from western Europe (where as Insect Expo and the insect fear In my personal life, I am happily the US subspecies, V. crabro ger- film festival. pursuing a second childhood with mana is native) as well as to that of my daughter Alyssa (age 4), who vespines native to North America tells everyone that her dad makes (Dolichovespula maculata, Vespula Jodie Ellis silly caterpillar pies. When I’m not maculifrons, and Vl. squamosa). I actively wearing the daddy or gradu- anticipate that this work will shed THIS is my third year ate student hat, I move around considerable light on our under- in Larry Hanks’ lab. town by land (running), sea (swim- standing of this magnificent insect My research interests ming in a pool, as a substitute), or (V. crabro is the largest social hymen- are entered on con- on my motorcycle (no exercise bene- opteran found in the US), as well servation biological control of fit whatsoever, but quite enjoyable). as to our current understanding of evergreen bagworm on arborvitae the potential consequences, if any, shrubs in an ornamental landscape of founder effects on haplodiploid setting. I am especially interested Sean A. Collins organisms. in integrating ecological methods of pest management into the MY interests lie in design of urban landscapes, to the behavior, ecology, Lesley Deem reduce the need for pesticides. and genetics of the Going to grad school in entomol- social wasps, particu- I come from the rural ogy is always fun, but doing it in larly those in the hills of eastern Ohio. your forties is even better. Ento- vespid subfamilies I received my BS in mology has also become somewhat Vespinae and Polistinae. The main biology with certifi- of a family affair, as my daughter focus of my work is an ongoing cation in secondary education (a senior here at Illinois) works on study on the genetic structure from Clarion University of Penn- her own entomology project (verte- of the hornet, Vespa crabro. This sylvania. I completed my master’s brate predation of bagworms). She insect was introduced to the US thesis in 1993 on controlling adult also works as a technician in the around 1850 at New York Harbor, corn rootworm beetles with semio- Hanks lab. Fortunately, we get probably on board a ship crossing chemical baits. I went to Pennsyl- along unusually well unless it is the Atlantic from either the UK or vania for several years to raise very hot out and there’s lots of Germany. In the period since then, Tamworth pigs, vegetables, and physical labor for her to do. it has managed to extend its range herbs. I returned to Illinois in My husband Steven is a systems westward to Missouri. I strongly 1998 to complete my doctoral analyst and currently not inter- believe the source of the current degree. I will be finishing the ested in entomology as a career. In North American population was a thesis shortly. My areas of interest our spare time, we enjoy our two single queen (or at most 3), thus in entomology include IPM, dogs and taking weekend trips to making this present population an biological control, forensic ento- over-looked places in the Midwest. excellent subject for an investiga- mology, and insect natural history. tion of founder effects in eusocial My other interests are herb gar- hymenopterans. For this work, I dening, landscape and garden Colin Favret am looking for variation using design (looking for the best native three independent classes of molec- or ornamental plant for the loca- SOMEHOW, between my travel- ular markers, allozymes, mitochon- tion and application), quilting, and ing, mountaineering, and opera

Entomology Newsletter 2000—25 going, I managed to strategy is a mere consequence of small town in northern Illinois complete and deposit inheritance, or is shaped by selec- near nothing. I graduated with a my master’s thesis in tive forces related to the larval host BS in forestry from the University May 2000. Now I condition. For the other portion of of the South in 1998. (It’s a small am doubly blessed the dissertation, I am starting a liberal arts college in Tennessee with my current population genetics project, with commonly referred to as Sewanee.) occupations. First, I continue to the help of Dr. Ken Paige, on the After graduation, I spent a couple work on my PhD, a systematic invasive Asian longhorned beetle. of years as a utility forester with study of a group of aphids of the We have beetles from Chicago, New ComEd. I have now decided to genus Cinara that live on pinyon York, and a number of regions of come back to school and focus on pines. The goals of this project China. By comparing variation in plant-pest interactions. include a revision with morpho- mtDNA sequences, I hope to In my free time, I like to travel metric species diagnosis and molec- determine the origin of the Chi- (mostly to see family and friends), ular phylogeny, and the addressing cago population. read, and knit afghans for all of my of several evolutionary questions. During my free time, my wife friends that keep getting married. Second, I became the insect col- Christine and I enjoy camping, lection manager at the Illinois swimming, and playing a variety of Natural History Survey. Being outdoor sports. Terry Harrison directly responsible for such an important research collection is an I am an MS student exciting and fulfilling challenge. Ellen Green in the lab of Dr. May Berenbaum. My THIS summer I com- research focuses on Matthew Ginzel pleted my doctoral systematics of lower degree in entomology ditrysian moths in the I am a PhD candi- in May Berenbaum’s superfamilies Yponomeutoidea and date in Dr. Larry lab. My thesis examined the effects Gelechioidea. Current projects in- Hanks’ lab. Last year, of nutrients and minerals on growth clude a study of Rutaceae-feeding I received an MS in and detoxification in lepidopterans. Agonopterix (Elachistidae) in Illi- entomology from I accepted a full-time position at nois, a world generic revision of Illinois. My thesis Illinois as a laboratory teaching Plutellidae, and co-authorship of examined mate location and recog- specialist for life sciences. I coordi- the fascicle on Momphinae (Coleo- nition strategies of Xylotrechus nate the first course in a required phoridae) for the Moths of America colonus, a crepuscular longhorned three-course series for biology North of Mexico (MONA) series. beetle. I found that males and majors. One of the perks of my females are mutually attracted to job is working with terrific gradu- host volatiles and once on the host ate teaching assistants from the Martin Hauser they rely on contact pheromones Department of Entomology. to locate mates. IT has been more My current research is partially than 2 years since I focused on mechanisms of pre- Erin Grossman left Germany and zygotic mating isolation in two started my life here closely related cerambycid species. I am a new addition in the Midwest. These species are Megacyllene to the Hanks’ lab, a During this time, I caryae, the hickory borer, and M. master’s candidate in finished nearly all of my courses robiniae, the locust borer. I am NRES. Originally, I and the requirements for the Uni- interested in whether reproductive am from Amboy, a versity. I also did a fair amount of

26—Entomology Newsletter 2000 traveling and bug collecting, which Lauren Kent chemical cues used by the beetles was a bit more exciting. I have to find trees susceptible to attack made “regular” trips to Germany and cues used by the parasitoids to I’M a first year grad to refresh my mother language and find trees harboring hosts. I am (nymph?) in the my taste buds. But more exciting, I also interested in the natural and department, and am visited Malaysia, Tunisia, South anthropogenic effects that weaken currently in the Africa, Bolivia, and Brazil collect- and stress trees and lead to higher Novak lab. Although almost every- ing lots of insects, mainly flies for rates of attack by borers. Cur- thing about insects is intriguing, my research. Also these trips pro- rently, I am investigating whether I’m interested in the mechanisms of vided many new experiences with there is a difference in borer and insect-microbe interactions, parti- foreign cultures, foreign traffic, parasitoid species diversity and cularly those concerning vector administration, and food. With the abundance on sugar maple be- systems affecting humans. many bugs, I brought a lot of nice tween urban and natural forests. If you don’t already know, the memories back from these trips. Outside of research, I have a East Coast is the best! I was born During two of my return trips to teaching assistantship and am and raised in Connecticut. It’s not Germany, I hosted Kevin Holston actively involved in the Entomol- clear what possessed me to come for the switch to the new millenium ogy Graduate Student Association. out here. I attended Washington and Sean Collins in June 2000 for My teaching assignment is the lab University in St. Louis as an under- some exciting hornet collecting in of ENTOM 301: Introduction to grad, was thoroughly challenged, the wild heartland of Europe. Kevin Entomology (fall ’00) and the lab and received my BA in biology. I and I will spend spring 2001 in of ENTOM 313: Ecology of Dis- had a great time, and for some North Carolina to study some ease Vectors (spring ’01). reason, I stayed out here. (What I molecular techniques with Prof. Studies, research, and teaching miss most are the beaches and Brian Wiegemann. occupy most of my time but in my hills). In my spare time (huh?), I spare time I enjoy attending live enjoy sleeping and eating. music shows, cooking, camping, Jeff Heilveil fishing, all-night games of Mo- Emerson Lacey nopoly, and the Home Shopping I am currently a Network. doctoral student IN 1996 I received working with Dr. my BA from South- Leellen Solter. My Weimin Li ern Illinois Univer- primary research sity at Carbondale in interests are the I am from a south- biology (and one in epizootiology of aquatic entomo- western province of creative writing in pathogens and host-pathogen China. After earning 1993). In 1998, I officially joined interactions. I received my BS my BS in 1993, I the department and in early 2000 from the University of Michigan in spent most of my time studying joined the lab of Dr. Larry Hanks. 1997 and my MS from Illinois in cytochrome P450 monooxygen- I hope to receive my MS degree 1999. When I’m not out observing ases, some important and fascinat- some time in 2001 and to con- population regulation mechanisms, ing detoxification enzymes. I got tinue doing research beyond that. I like to spend my spare time “re- my MS from Shanghai Institute of My research interests focus on searching” in the kitchen. Entomology, Chinese Academy of wood-boring insects, especially Sciences in 1996, because of my beetles in the family Cerambycidae work on the biochemical mechanism and their hymenopteran parasitoids. of cytochrome P450-mediated Of particular interest to me are the insecticide resistance. I came to

Entomology Newsletter 2000—27 Illinois to continue my education Program. After receiving my BS in studied nitric oxide synthase acti- in 1997. I am working in Dr. May biology, I moved to California to vity in dinoflagellate symbionts. Berenbaum’s lab, studying the inter- attend graduate school in plant Although I miss the island lifestyle, action of insect herbivores and biology. Through one of my courses, it is not that bad being in Illinois, plants. My research focuses on the I was introduced to entomology, as it is originally home for me. I’m cytochrome P450s (detoxification which I quickly realized was much looking forward to pursuing my enzymes) involved in the metabo- more exciting than plant biology. I interest in chemically mediated lism of swallowtail butterflies to received a master’s degree from insect-plant interactions, and I furanocoumarins, potent plant UC-Davis in 1998 and relocated hope I find time for singing, defense compounds. to Champaign to work with Dr. photography, and tennis as well. Berenbaum. I am something of an oddball in Xianchun Li the Berenbaum lab, working not Robert Moore on wild parsnip, webworms, or I’M a PhD student in swallowtails, but rather on poison CURRENTLY stationed in Kuwait Dr. May Berenbaum’s hemlock and a small, green, and with the Illinois Army National lab working on P450s utterly wriggly caterpillar, Agonop- Guard. responsible for allelo- terix alstroemeriana. With most of chemical insecticide cross-resistance. my coursework behind me (I have I’ve been interested in biochemis- yet to take taxonomy) and no teach- Dmitri Novikov try, molecular biology, and evolu- ing duties, I am focusing on my tion of insecticide resistance in research. I hope to be one of the I am a native of the herbivorous insects. I have isolated first graduate students to take the Ukraine and gradu- several P450 genes or alleles, namely new style of preliminary exams in ated from Dniepro- CYP6B8, CYP6B27, CYP6B28, January. petrovsk State Uni- CYP6B8v2, CYP6B8v3, and I recently got engaged to Jason versity, where I CYP6B8v4, from Helicoverpa zea. Kirby, whom I met through a studied under the Although sharing high nucleotide friend. My mother always advised well known leafhopper specialist, and amino acid identity, these genes me against dating within my field, V.N. Logvinenko. After graduat- begin to diverge in terms of tem- and I guess I have heeded that ing, I taught high school for a year poral, spatial, and induced expres- advice, as Jason is an engineer. and worked in private business sion patterns. But so far, it is not Our wedding date is set for Sep- rearing and exporting honey bee quite clear how these genes “work” tember 2001. queens to Siberia. In 1998, I joined together to defend the caterpillars Chris Dietrich on a 3-year, NSF- against natural allelochemicals and sponsored inventory of the vascu- synthetic insecticides. Cindy McDonnell lar plants and terrestrial arthropods of Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet I am beginning my central Asian republic. For my Katy Lustofin first year as a gradu- master’s thesis, I am compiling a ate student in Dr. list of the leafhoppers of Kyrgyz ORIGINALLY from May Berenbaum’s grasslands, describing new taxa, New York state, I lab. In 1999, I and using quantitative sample data became interested in received my BA from to estimate insect diversity and chemical ecology Cornell University in biology. I examine its ecological correlates in through my participa- recently finished a 6-month central Asian grasslands. tion in the Howard internship at the Bermuda Biologi- Hughes Undergraduate Research cal Station for Research where I

28—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Harland Patch When not slaving away in the lab, has resulted in my becoming a I enjoy reading, stitching, swimming, born-again Democrat. Educational running, and getting together with history begins in the distant past. I received my BS and my cronies on Wednesdays for After surviving in parochial MS from Virginia Law and Order night. grammar schools and public high Commonwealth Uni- schools I entered the school of versity in Richmond hard knocks for a couple of de- where I studied ovi- Christopher Pierce cades—graduated summa cum position preference laude. Decided to enter Northeast- in the black swallowtail butterfly, A native of Illinois, I ern Illinois University as a part- Papilio polyxenes. With P. polyxenes I am married to a time student and graduated summa was interested in the chemical and wonderful woman, cum laude with a BS in chemistry environmental cues female butter- Kelly, and am a and biology. (Why? Because flies use to identify their host second-year graduate double majors have more fun.) My plants. At Illinois my interest in student working on life really changed at the University insect olfaction has continued but my doctoral dissertation. I received of Illinois where Ellis MacLeod my research has focused on mo- my BS in plant and soil science at introduced me to parasitoids. I lecular mechanisms. With Hugh Southern Illinois University- received an MS in 1995 for work- Robertson, I have been exploring Carbondale and my MS in horti- ing on sex ratio manipulation by a the various proteins related to culture at Illinois. My master’s parasitoid wasp. My PhD work is mate choice in Manduca sexta. thesis looked at the interactions on olfactory binding proteins under between Nosema pyrausta and the capable direction of Hugh Rebecca Petersen Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Robertson and Stewart Berlocher. in the European corn borer, Ostri- My hobbies are manifold and nia nubilalis. I am working with Dr. include vegetable and wildlife gar- I grew up in the Michael Gray in Crop Sciences on dening (with weeds as an integral former Canal Zone the oviposition behavior of the part of the whole), growing cacti in the Republic of new strain of western corn root- and succulents (the best apartment Panama. There, I worm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, plants), fossil hunting (very rarely worked at the (WCR) in corn and soybeans. This nowadays), and supervising Steve Smithsonian Tropical has resulted in washing an unprec- (the lion’s share of free time is Research Institute studying the edented 1.5 tons of soil this year spent on this worthwhile activity). phylogenetics of various marine looking for WCR eggs. I am also and terrestrial invertebrates. I looking at how corn and soybean graduated from the University of phenology interacts with the behav- Peter Reagel Notre Dame with a BS in biology ior of the WCR and how the WCR in 1996. I decided to stay in the interacts with different varieties of I received my BS in Midwest and joined the Berenbaum soybeans. biology from Illinois lab and also work with Mary in 1996, and I am Schuler in Cell and Structural now working with Biology. I investigated cytochrome Karlene Ramsdell Larry Hanks. For my master’s pro- P450-mediated metabolism of ject I am looking at aggregation and natural plant toxins in the black I’M a native of the mate location in the red milkweed swallowtail for my master’s thesis. greatest city in the beetle. I have found that aggrega- For my doctorate, I am studying world, Chicago. tions are more likely to occur on the transcriptional regulation of Living in east-central milkweed plants with a greater the P450 genes by their substrates. Illinois for a decade number of large umbels. Male

Entomology Newsletter 2000—29 beetles accumulate at aggregations David Schulz remnant prairies of east central with a female-biased sex ratio, but Illinois. I have been researching do not appear to be attracted by two species of gall wasps (Cynipidae) I am working on a long-range cues. I am now study- that feed in the stems of Silphium PhD in Gene ing the conservation biological (Asteraceae) and their parasitoids Robinson’s lab. I control of pine needle scale. Along (Eurytomidae). I want to under- received my BS in with watching insects, I enjoy stand the natural histories of these biology from Illinois reading mythology and walking. overlooked native insect species in 1995, and stayed and use this system to answer some to receive my MS in 1997. My questions regarding parasitoid- primary research interest is the Hilary Reno mediated population control. neurochemical regulation of be- In my spare time, I enjoy being havior and division of labor of A MD/PhD student outdoors, exercising and relaxing. honey bees. On the side, I am in the department, I In the next year or so, I plan on interested in how colony environ- completed my PhD marrying my fiancée before ment affects the dynamics of thesis in October common law catches up with us. division of labor, including how 2000, “A molecular, factors such as food shortage in- ecological, and bio- fluence behavioral development chemical comparison Rodrigo Velarde and the size of the foraging force. I of Aedes triseriatus, vector of plan on finishing my PhD within a LaCrosse virus, and its sibling I am originally from year, with postdoctoral interests in species Aedes hendersoni.” I exam- Cochabamba, a city studying the neurophysiological ined the seasonal pattern of ovipo- in the central valleys basis for phenomena such as neuro- sition by these two mosquitoes in of Bolivia. I started modulation that ultimately lead to relation to the LaCrosse virus cycle. I my undergraduate behavioral regulation and flexibil- also determined the variability in studies in Agronomy ity. When not working in the field the internal transcribed spacer at ITESM in Monterrey (Mexico), or slaving over a hot HPLC regions and used those sequences after taking an introductory ento- machine, I enjoy thinking about to develop a phylogeny of the mology class I decided to pursue a going cycling, hiking, and insect Triseriatus group that supported career as an entomologist. I trans- collecting...but in reality waste the phylogeny based on morphol- ferred to the University of Illinois precious hours on the internet ogy. Finally, my thesis character- in 1995, and obtained my BS in looking for nothing in particular ized the salivary gland enzyme, agricultural sciences in 1997. I (and usually finding it). apyrase (inhibits platelet aggrega- continued graduate studies in tion), in Aedes triseriatus, Aedes natural resources under Dr. Robert hendersoni, and Aedes aegypti. John Tooker Wiedenmann, working on the Although my field seasons are artificial induction of diapause in officially over, I’m working on chrysomelids used as biological I am working on my publications. I also keep busy as a control agents. After finishing my PhD under the super- third year medical student and MS, I started PhD studies in ento- vision of Larry trying to get some sleep. I plan on mology. I am privileged to work Hanks with whom I a residency in internal medicine under the guidance of not one, but completed my MS degree last year and possibly a fellowship in infec- two, advisors: Dr. Susan Fahrbach on parasitoids (Aphelinidae) of tious disease. Eventually I hope to and Dr. Gene Robinson. My pro- pine needle scale (Diaspididae). practice, teach, and conduct research ject, still under development, will For my dissertation, I am concen- in infectious disease at an academic involve the study of the nuclear trating on some residents in the medical center. hormone receptors present in the

30—Entomology Newsletter 2000 honey bee brain. I am also inter- ested in the honey bee postembry- onic development and division of labor.

Jamie Zahniser

I am in my first year of graduate study Susan Fahrbach with Chou here, and am origi- Miin Wang following nally from Pittsburgh, graduation ceremonies in May 2000. PA. I received my BS in biology from Penn State University, where I became fascinated with nature, and par- Recent Graduates ticularly with bugs. After grad- uating, I had a potpourri of jobs, some biology-related, and some Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy not. I’ve decided that biology and bugs are intrinsically more interest- 1999 1999 ing than painting houses, so here I Matthew Ginzel. Mate location and Susan Ratcliffe. Assessment of parasit- recognition in Xylotrechus colunus F. am at Illinois. I am most interested ism of house fly and stable fly pupae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) (Diptera: Muscidae) by pteromalid in systematics and phylogeny, and John Tooker. Natural enemy relations of (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) parasi- plan to do a systematic study for pine needle scale (Homoptera: Dias- toids using polymerase chain raction my master’s thesis. pidae) in east central Illinois and the (PCR). In my spare time, I enjoy listen- potential for conservation biological control. ing to music, hiking and camping, Michael Slamecka. Two models to pre- 2000 watching movies, and brewing dict the first occurrence and predomi- Sarah Farris. Post-embryonic develop- beer or an occasional batch of nance of Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: ment and adult plasticity on the mush- room bodies of the honey bee brain. mead. Culicidae) in east-central Illinois. Jeff Heilveil. An investigation of the Ellen Green. Effects of nutrients and mechanism of transmission used by minerals on growth and detoxification in phytophagous insects. From the Illient, 1933: Enthusiastic populations of Cougourdella sp. (Micro- Karen McClellan. Overwintering beekeeping student to curious friend: sporidia: Cougourdellidae), a parasite biology of Culex pipiens Linnaeus “I find the study of bees very inter- of the trichopteran Glossosoma nigrior (Culicidae) in east-central Illinois. esting from the standpoint of mor- (Glossosomatidae). Hilary Reno. An ecological, molecular, phology and life habits. Yes, and there Rebecca Petersen. Expression of CYP6B1- and biochemical comparison of Aedes is even romance among the bees. This CYP6B3 and furanocoumarin metabo- triseriatus (Say), the vector of Lacrosse little book I have been reading says lism in different tissues of Papilio virus, with its sibling species, Aedes that bees are very affectionate to the polyxenes (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). hendersoni. ones they like best.” Christine Wagener-Hulme. Biogenic Friend: “Where did you see that? I 2000 amines and division of labor in the don’t believe it.” Colin Favret. Migratory aphid habitat honey bee society. Beekeeping student: “Here it is in selection in agricultural and adjacent Chiou Miin Wang. Characterization of this paragraph—it says that ‘when natural habitats. novel neuronal antigens in the central the field bee returned to the hive Duane McKenna. Ecology, phylogeny, nervous system of Manduca sexta. after a hard day’s work visiting and host-usage of North American Daniel Toma. Cloning and analysis of a flowers and carrying pollen, the nurse Depressaria (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae). honey bee (Apis mellifera ) gene orthology bee took its honey and nectar.’” and honey bee division of labor.

Entomology Newsletter 2000—31 Awards and Recognition

Hugh Robertson was Faculty recognized February 19, National and International 2000, as a Fellow of the American Association for May Berenbaum received the 2000 the Advancement of Science Silverstein-Simeone Award in during their annual meeting Chemical Ecology from the Inter- in Washington, DC. national Society for Chemical Ecology at its annual meeting in In 2000, Gene Robinson Poços das Caldas, Brazil. received a Certificate of Distinction from the International Susan Fahrbach with Chancellor Michael Michael Gray received the 1999 Congress of Entomology in recog- Aiken at the University Scholars recognition. USDA-ARS Technology Transfer nition of his outstanding contribu- Award for Superior Efforts (Team tions to entomology and society. invited to participate in programs Award with Kevin Steffey and selec- Only three such Certificates have on insects, through local media and ted other land grant scientists) in been presented—one of those was in area schools. She is widely known recognition of outstanding coopera- to ESA member and National as the creator of the “Insect Fear tive technology transfer efforts Medal of Science winner E.O. Film Festival.” As one letter sup- involved in implementation of the Wilson in 1996. porting her nomination pointed National Areawide IPM Program Gene also was received a 2000 Inno- out, “Professor Berenbaum does not for corn rootworm. vation Award in Functional Genomics come ‘down’ from the ivory tower from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. to greet her public, but instead lifts Larry Hanks received the 2000 everyone she touches to a higher Entomological Society of America Gil Waldbauer’s Millions of Monarchs plane of scientific appreciation, be Award for Distinguished Achieve- was awarded honorable mention in they students or impressionable ment in Urban Entomology at the the biological science division of the young children.” annual meeting, held in Montreal, Association of American Publishers Quebec, Canada. Inc. 2000 Professional/Scholarly Susan Fahrbach was named a Uni- Publishing Division Annual Awards versity Scholar. Fahrbach and her Competition. colleagues have succeeded in iden- tifying neural as well as hormonal inputs regulating the fate of neurons Campus in adult moths and in addition have characterized the intercellular sig- May Berenbaum nals initiating the degeneration of received the Campus neurons. She has accomplished Award for Excellence in these research objectives by devising Public Service in 2000. innovative experimental approaches She has been active in and developing novel tools to allow public service since her to pursue her studies including coming to Illinois in an in vitro system that accurately 1980. According to col- reproduces the selectivity and tem- leagues who nominated poral patterning of neuronal death Marcos Kogan, 2000 Founder’s Award her, Berenbaum has an in vivo. Earlier this year, she colla- recipient, with Larry Hanks, recipient of the “extraordinary commitment to edu- borated with Gene Robinson in a Award for Distinguished Achievement in cating the public about complex project that employed harmonic Urban Entomology at the ESA meeting in issues in ecology and evolutionary radar techniques to characterize the Montreal. biology.” She has frequently been

32—Entomology Newsletter 2000 ontogeny of spatial learning in we work together to obtain. In reality, his Unlike honey bees. Their work was pub- contributions greatly exceed the bound- most people lished in Nature and received world- aries of our laboratory on the second floor hired as wide media attention. Inside Illinois, of Morrill Hall and are more on the level research October 7, 2000. of a full-fledged faculty member. associates in a particular lab, The criteria for recognition with an however, Art Gene Robinson assumes the position LAS Academic Professional Award include has gone well of Director of the Neuroscience work, personal, and professional contri- beyond the Program in January 2001. butions. In terms of work contributions, pure research Art has without any doubt whatsoever mission of a advanced the mission of the Berenbaum scientist Richard Weinzierl was the recipient Photo by Bill Wiegand of the 2000 John Clyde and lab. He is in every sense of the word a funded by an Henrietta Downey Spitler Teaching full collaborator with me, of equal status external grant. Despite the fact that there Award. in terms of experimental design, statisti- is utterly no requirement to do so, Art cal analysis, and publication preparations. has voluntarily taught courses for several This collaboration has been wildly suc- units within the School of Integrative Arthur Zangerl was the recipient of a cessful, as attested to not only by the Biology. He has, for example, served College of LAS Academic Profes- record of publication (we have over 40+ several times as instructor of record in sional Award. Below is the nomina- jointly authored papers, book chapters, Plant Biology 418, an advanced topic tion letter by May Berenbaum. and abstracts) but also by external recog- seminar for students in plant ecology, nition by peers (e.g., the Ecological Society and has been enthusiastically reviewed by It is with a tremendous amount of of America recognized our work several students for his efforts. During fall 1997, pleasure that I nominate Dr. Arthur R. years ago by conferring the Mercer Award when the department found itself short- Zangerl for a 1999-2000 LAS Academic for best paper by authors under 40). handed due to an unexpected faculty Professional Award. Art has nominally death, Art volunteered, with only two been a research associate in my labora- Although the bulk of the work we do weeks’ notice, to teach Biology 309, tory for 16 years; in reality, he has been is collaborative, Art has, by working well Ecological Genetics; I was able to use an intellectual partner, an invaluable beyond the 40 hour per week norm on funds from the College to support his asset to the School of Integrative Biology, his own initiative, maintained several excellent teaching effort. He also regu- and an outstanding citizen of the greater independent research interests related to larly contributes guest lectures in a biology community. his early training in plant biology and has variety of courses offered within the established a reputation for excellence School of Integrative Biology. I first met Art in 1983, after I had (e.g., in induced responses and optimal advertised in a School of Life Sciences’ defense theory) quite independent of mine He serves as formal thesis committee newsletter for a technician; Art, who had (as reflected by his single-author publica- member as well as prelim exam commit- moved to Buffalo, NY, after completing tions and his papers published with tee member for graduate students in his doctoral work in plant biology here at collaborators outside of our lab). three different SIB programs (entomol- UIUC, applied for the technician job ogy, plant biology, and ecology, ethology, despite the fact that he had a PhD in He has demonstrated amazing intellec- and evolution) and as informal consult- hand (jobs in life science were scarce tual flexibility over the years and has, by ant on statistics and experimental design back then). He was so vastly superior to intensive retraining, acquired skills that for the entire entomology department. any other applicant that I hired him have allowed our laboratory to pursue He has provided guidance in the labora- without a moment of hesitation. work in quantitative genetics, analytical tory and field for countless undergradu- phytochemistry, and molecular biology; ates who have gained research experience After only a few weeks on the job, it he is a major factor in promoting the in our laboratory and who have on was so abundantly clear that he was con- integrative research we have been able to several occasions graduated with honors tributing so far above the level of techni- pursue and for which we have gained as a consequence of that experience. cian that the position had to be upgraded recognition. to match his performance. Ever since Art has succeeded in working well with then, Art’s performance has exceeded all He is also a central full-status partici- faculty and students at all levels and at all reasonable expectations for his position. pant in a newly funded, six-investigator ranks because he is so affable, easy-going, Critical Research Initiative campus grant and positive. He can provide assistance as He is ostensibly a research associate in on impacts of herbivory on photosynthe- well as criticism constructively and is well my laboratory–he is supported almost sis and plant physiological ecology (which known for his ability to work with all entirely on external grant funds, which combines both his past and present kinds of personalities (a talent honed, expertise). Entomology Newsletter 2000—33 perhaps, during his service as a member cipal federal funding agencies. Art served of the Urbana City Council for several as a panel member for the Ecological and Graduate Student years). The impact he has had on col- Evolutionary Physiology Program at the Awards leagues and students has been uniformly National Science Foundation; such an positive. invitation is clearly acknowledgment of the independent expertise of an investi- 2000 North Central Branch Gradu- His boundless enthusiasm and inex- gator and accrues to the reputation of the ate Scholarship Award: Dave haustible energy have led him to parti- programs here at UIUC. Schulz cipate to an extraordinary degree in extracurricular activities. On his own It is important to emphasize that Art Francis M. and Harley M. Clark initiative, he designed, constructed, and has established his very substantial record Research Support Grants: Sean delivered an outstanding exhibit on of achievement under daunting circum- Collins, Matthew Ginzel, Jeffrey insect sounds to the Discovery Place stances. He is not a tenure-track faculty Science Museum for children in down- member with his own laboratory and Heilveil, Rebecca Petersen, Daniel town Champaign; he also designed and with a guaranteed salary; he has for 16 Skirvin worked with graduate students to produce years dealt with all of the uncertainty an exhibit on pheromonal communica- associated with working on a soft-money On-Campus Dissertation Research tion that has been an unqualified success salary (during many less than propitious Grants Fall 2000: John Tooker at the past four Insect Expos. budget years for federal funding agencies). Sigma Xi Research Grant: John He was on hand to assist with the very Such an arrangement generally leads to Tooker first Insect Fear Film Festival 17 years insularity; few people are willing to ago and has helped through the years in jeopardize their own future by routinely 2000 President’s Prize for 10- countless ways, from running film pro- expending time and energy that might jectors to posting notices to working crowd otherwise be invested in enhancing their minute Oral Presentation, control to manning exhibits. own record by assisting others whose Entomological Society of work is unrelated to their own. Art has America: Rebecca Petersen, first He regularly attends the departmental succeeded in insuring his own future place; Yehuda Ben-Shahar, honor- colloquium and can be counted on to while helping others because of his able mention participate in after-seminar discussions tremendous enthusiasm, his incredible and to serve as host for off-campus visiting drive, and his amazing intellect. 2000 President’s Prize for Display speakers. It goes without saying that Presentation, Entomological there are several full-fledged members of The School of Integrative Biology and Society of America: Tim Mabry, the entomology department faculty who the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences first place (Crop Sciences); Silvia do not participate to the extent that Art are extremely fortunate that Art does not does in “extracurricular” activities. live by the strict interpretation of his job Rondon, honorable mention (Crop description–he contributes to the very Sciences) Art’s job description doesn’t include fullest extent of his remarkable ability. these activities any more than does the He is motivated by the love of science job description of a full professor–yet he and not by the need for reward or Teaching participates because of his love of science recognition. Incomplete List of Teachers and his dedication to the discipline. That he is so motivated, however, does Rated Excellent by their Students Professionally, Art has earned recogni- not mean that he is undeserving of such tion due to the impact he has had on the reward and recognition. I know of no Fall 1999 Spring 2000 field. Again, it is important to emphasize individual on the campus who has acted Sean Collins May Berenbaum that this is recognition not of our joint more professionally as an academic Susan Fahrbach Mark Carroll efforts but of Art’s own independent professional or who has enhanced the Matthew Ginzel Sean Collins abilities and expertise. He has been in- academic environment more substan- Jeff Heilveil Susan Fahrbach vited to present seminars at universities tively; I recommend him for this award Matthew Ginzel and papers at professional meetings with unreserved and wholehearted Peter Reagel (including the very prestigious Gordon enthusiasm. Kym Rosiak Ellen Green Conference on Plant-Herbivore Interac- Jeffrey Heilveil tions) and he is routinely asked to review Sincerely, May Berenbaum John Tooker manuscripts for the key journals in the Kym Rosiak field and to review grants for the prin-

34—Entomology Newsletter 2000 The Insect Fear Film Festival 17 February 26, 2000

FOR the seventeenth annual insect TV movies like “The fear film festival, we had our usual Savage Bees,” “Ter- share of national attention, not the ror Out of the Sky,” least of which was from National “Deadly Invasion: Geographic, which sent a film crew The Killer Bee to shoot the festival. CBS Radio in Nightmare,” and New York did an interview, and “Killer Bees.” the Wall Street Journal even had an article on the festival on page 1 of Moreover, an even the Thursday edition before the more important festival. And there was the usual reason for bees on share of out-of-town guests and TV, the reason that Dave Schulz explaining some of the social festival faithful Nathan Schiff, who drives so much of television aspects of bee hives. returned from Mississippi via broadcasting, is that bees are cheap. Papua, New Guinea just in time. They’re reared commercially all Wheat Honeys. No stings in over the US and a single hive can evidence nor does the Honey Nut This year, the focus was on bees contain over 30,000 individuals. Cheerios bee possess a stinger. on TV—bees in made-for-television They’re both male characters, and movies, shorts, and advertisements. Also bees can act, or at least be drones (male bees) don’t have There is no species toward which induced to behave in a predictable stingers. But they’re not the ones humans feel greater ambivalence manner. Bees have been semi- making the honey that goes into than Apis mellifera, the Western domesticated since the time of the Rice Honeys and Wheat Honeys and honey bee. On one hand, there’s Pharaohs and, although they won’t Honey Nut Cheerios, either. Apis mellifera, helper to humanity, fetch your morning paper for you, industrious provider of honey and they can be manipulated by light, Next, a series of Donald Duck wax and pollinator extraordinaire. chemicals, and temperature (unlike cartoons featuring a drone known On the other, there’s Apis mellifera, human actors, who may need finan- variously as Buzz-Buzz, Spike, spawn of Satan, killer of mankind. cial incentives to behave on cue). Hector, and Claudius. Real male bees don’t have stingers, but then, About 40 people die every year Hence, our program. We fo- real ducks don’t wear sailor hats. from the stings of Hymenoptera cused on this love-hate relationship The pairing was popular—they (how many are bees is hard to that people have with the world’s made about five cartoons together, determine given that many people most adorable venomous creature. probably because Buzz-Buzz, who don’t bother to differentiate bees We’ve long had a tradition of only made buzzing sounds, was from wasps once they’ve been stung). showing B movies at the festival— one of few characters who could That’s three times the number that this year we got literal about it as make Donald sound articulate. In die from snakebite, and everyone well as figurative. “Honey Harvester,” Donald tries knows how unlovable snakes are. to track down the source of Spike’s First were bee commercials from honey—the car radiator (interest- So, they sting. This has evidently the 1950s—Buffalo Bee, spokes- ingly, in the days before antifreeze been enough to justify a slew of animal for Rice Honeys and people put honey in their radiators).

Entomology Newsletter 2000—35 The first feature was “ZZZZZ” bees from South America by driv- authored or co-authored over 100 (1964), incorrectly labeled on ing a VW into the Superdome in publications on bees. Since 1966, video box as “ZZZZZZ.” It was an New Orleans. She’s still working he has been a consultant for legal, Outer Limits episode, broadcast for David (Ephraim Zimbalist, Jr.) industrial, film, and television pro- January 27, 1964, and written by at the National Bee Center and ductions about bees—in other Meyer Dolinsky, who was inspired she’s involved with Nick (Dan words, he’s known in the business by a Time magazine report on an Hagerty of “Grizzly Adams” fame). as a bee wrangler (or, more pre- insect language analyzer. To make After a scientist dies from stings, cisely, the bee wrangler). a long story short, the bees are David does his best to suppress the plotting to interbreed with humans news. Jeanie confirms their iden- His ingenuity in developing to commandeer human strength tity as killer bees by morphometrics methods to manipulate bees and and lifespan and take over the and Jeanie and David stop the ship- their behavior has held him in good world. Professor Ben Fields has ment by racing to intercept the stead in this regard (he’s developed developed a device to translate bee carrier, then stop for an interlude a way to narcotize queens to facili- language (about 70% of what they by the lake, with killer bees in the tate instrumental insemination, say, are cliches like “DANGER car. USDA threatens to cut off and developed vacuum devices for DANGER!”) and a queen bee, funding if there’s no full disclo- handling, tagging, counting, con- transformed into a human female sure. But the other two shipments fining, and otherwise handling laboratory assistant, attempts to have gone out and it’s the 4th of bees.) Whatever the methods are, July weekend. In 10 days, the strain they work—he once had one mil- will take over the entire hive. lion bees released outdoors and Eventually, all head for Merced, under his control. CA, to the Army base and borrow a car to find the missing queen, He’s a member of both Sigma Xi which they find along with a half and the Screen Actors Guild. An million other bees at a 4th of July abbreviated filmography includes baseball game. To cut to the chase, “My Girl,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” an entomologist dangling from a “Candyman,” “Beverly Hillbillies,” helicopter attracts the swarm away “Man of the House,” “X-Files,” from a schoolbus full of boy scouts “The Truth about Cats and Dogs,” and gets lowered into a missile “Leonard Part VI,” “Walk in the testing facility, where the bees are Clouds,” “Invasion of the Bee eventually dispatched. Girls,” and many others. He has Becca Petersen and Jodie Ellis with their appeared twice on the “Tonight IFFF t-shirts. This film featured Norman Gary Show” and has set at least two as Finley Dermott, a farmer—a records in the Guinness Book of seduce the professor and murder small role but his contributions to World Records (including largest his wife. the film greatly exceeded his time bee beard). He took time to show on screen. Dr. Gary was our special some clips of his appearances and The second feature was “Terror guest at the festival. He is an emeri- to let us in on some of his bee- Out of the Sky”(1978), the decid- tus professor at the University of handling secrets. edly inferior sequel to “The Savage California-Davis, where he served Bees” (originally “Return of the as a faculty member in bee biology The final feature, “Wax, or the Savage Bees”), not a particularly from 1962 to 1994. His research Discovery of Television Among the good film to begin with. Jeanie interests have been in the area of Bees,” (1991) is a movie by David Devereaux has flashbacks to when bee behavior, particularly underly- Blair. The movie defies easy de- she stopped an invasion of killer ing causes and mechanisms; he has scription. New York Times called it

36—Entomology Newsletter 2000 a “surreal dreamscape as imagined by a cyberpunk novelist...a witty psychedelic cult favorite.” Local Linnaean film critic and Illinois faculty member Richard Leskosky, when Games asked to place it in a genre, more succinctly called it “crap.” If it’s UIUC Linnaean Team distinctive for any reason, it’s that, invades Minnesota on May 22, 1993, it was the first by Christopher Pierce film to be transmitted on the Inter- net (at 2 frames per second). It’s nominally about Jacob Maker, Vanessa Block sporting insect tattoos UNFORTUNATELY, we were not grandson of beekeeper and spiritu- at the Insect Expo. able to repeat what our predeces- alist cinematographer James “Hive” sors from the Illinois Dream Team Maker; Jacob is also a beekeeper as accomplished in 1998 and we did well as a designer of gunsight dis- not see a return of El Niño in the plays at a flight simulator factory Insect Expo year 2000 like Mark Carroll pre- in Alamagordo, NM. His bees dicted in 1998. eventually drill a hole in his head 1999 and equip him with a crystal tele- Our team consisted of Sean vision that broadcasts supernatural THE 1999 Insect Expo was held at Collins, Dave Schulz, Peter Reagel, images, controls his thoughts and the University of Illinois Armory and Christopher Pierce. Dr. actions, and projects him through on Friday October 29, 1999. A Robert Wiedenmann was faculty time and space so that he ultimate- special program was held at Foel- advisor for our team. Also training ly ends up in Basra, Iraq. There’s a linger Auditorium from 6:00 to for this knowledge decathlon were subtext about Mesopotamian bees 10:00 pm. The evening featured Becca Petersen, Mark Carroll, and bee diseases. And another puppet shows, Insect Quiz Bowl, a Marianne (M.) Alleyne, Colin subtext about gypsum being the special performance of Insect Favret, and Matt Ginzel. main ingredient in wallboard... Theater, and a special guest appear- ance by John Acorn, star of Animal We believed that a few months of As usual, the festival wrapped up Planet’s “The Nature Nut.” Dan preparation could turn an anomaly around midnight, having enter- Capps and his insect collection into a team of true national tained over the course of 6 hours returned to the Expo as well. Dan’s champions. However, a close first between 800 and 900 people, many personal collection was recently round loss to Iowa State, 70-60, of whom were heard to remark, featured at Disneyland’s Epcot dashed our hopes and dreams of upon being reminded of Center. competing at the National ESA next year’s festival, “I’ll meeting in Montreal, Canada. bee back…” We did learn interesting things like coprophages eat “POOP” and that spiders typically have “8” eyes John Acorn, the ‘Nature not “5.” We look forward to next Nut’, does his tiger year’s North Central Branch meet- beetle impression for ings where we hope to improve Hannah Leskosky. our competition skills.

Entomology Newsletter 2000—37 Entomology Alumni

Ria Barrido (MS 1999). I am the insecticide/fungicide technical manager and field trial coordinator at GROWMARK, Inc., Blooming- ton, IL. Home address: 1517 Bee- Country Lake Dr., Champaign, IL 61821; work address: 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL keeping 61701; email: rbarrido@ Short growmark.com. Damayanti Buchori (also known as Dami). I finished my MS at Illinois Course in January 1989. I then moved to the Biology Department at Indiana University in the summer of 1989 and finished my PhD in 1993. Currently I am an academic staff member at the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Bogor Agricul- tural University. I have also been GENE Robinson initiated the beekeepers including mite control, the Head of the Center for IPM, University of Illinois’ Bees and sting allergies, and queen rearing. Bogor Agricultural University since Beekeeping Short Course in 1997. April 1998. In addition to teaching A unique feature of the course and doing research (I am specializ- The course is supported by the is the opportunity to learn about ing on parasitoid ecology and department, the School of Integra- the exciting new research on honey biological control), I am also active tive Biology, the Center for Eco- as a nutraceutical performed here in an environmental NGO (non governmental organization) in nomic Entomology at the Illinois in the department by a research Indonesia. Most of my research is Natural History Survey, the Illinois team led by May Berenbaum. conducted at the Halimun National Office of Outreach and Coopera- Park, the last remaining primary tive Extension, Dadant Inc., and Another feature of the course is forest in Java. I try to be active in Wellmark International. the opportunity for participants to both environmental causes and also join research teams and perform helping farmers to use alternative It is staffed by members of real experiments with honey bees technologies for pest control (non- Robinson’s research group, col- as “citizen scientists.” pesticides). I have 3 children leagues from the department and (Dana, 12, Dini, 7, and Mayang, other parts of campus, and outside Response to the course has been 4) and my husband works in the specialists. very enthusiastic; it will be offered Computer Department, University of Indonesia. for the fifth time this summer, The course features lectures and with some participants coming Elizabeth A. (Beth) Capaldi. My workshops on many important back year after year. current address: Department of topics for beginning and advanced

38—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Biology, Bucknell University, aspect of the life of these insects and control. As a consequence, there is a Lewisburg PA 17837; work phone: his determination to find applica- very real chance that river blindness 570/ 577-1430. tions for his research have literally may be virtually eliminated through- been life saving. Through his out much of its range. Joel Coats (PhD 1974). I am chair of research, teaching, and service in It is difficult, from the comfort- the Department of Entomology at medical entomology, Cupp has able perspective of life in a wealthy, Iowa State University; I am also profoundly improved the quality of developed nation in the temperate professor of entomology and toxi- life in some of the poorest and zone, to appreciate the impact of cology. I recently received an award neediest regions in the world. eliminating a disease such as river from the American Chemical Society His academic career began at blindness. This disease is caused by for communication of chemistry to Illinois with his thesis work on a parasitic filarial worm that takes the public. effects of thermal sensitivity as stress up residence in human skin and in during embryogeny on the larval other tissues; when immature stages Randy Cohen (PhD 1987). I am an and imaginal morphology ofAedes of the parasite infest the eye, serious associate professor of biology at mosquitoes, vectors of yellow fever lesions form that can lead to irrever- California State University, North- and many other important arbovi- sible blindness. Until recently, millions ridge, still investigating the neuro- ruses. For the early part of his of people, particularly in rural areas chemical control of feeding in career, he continued to focus on in Africa and in Mexico, Guatemala, insects. My wife Susan and I have mosquitoes; he pursued this interest Venezuela, and Colombia, suffered three children, Rachel (15), Sarah throughout his career and made from onchocerciasis, or “river blind- (12), and Josh (10). several significant contributions to ness;” in some communities, over understanding vector-host associa- 10% of the inhabitants became Eddy Cupp (PhD tions in the Culicidae that are blind as a result of this infection. 1969). He received a themselves worthy of recognition. The resulting impact on local econ- 1999 LAS Alumni As an assistant professor at omies was, accordingly, devastating, Achievement Award Cornell University, he developed an with many of the principal wage- for outstanding interest in Simuliidae, the black earners within families incapaci- professional achieve- flies. Although black flies are con- tated. Traditional chemical methods ment. Cupp is a spicuous elements of the biting fly of control, for various reasons (in- professor at the Department of fauna, they are not significant vec- cluding inaccessibility of the vector, Entomology at Auburn University, tors of human disease in upstate resistance to insecticide, and nega- where he’s served as head for many New York. But the expertise he tive environmental impacts), proved years. He was a graduate student in acquired in the ecology and physiol- unworkable. Cupp’s use of an en- the department 30 years ago, work- ogy of these insects led to invitations vironmentally compatible drug aimed ing with Dr. William Horsfall, who to evaluate programs for management not at the vector but at the patho- was at the time the most prominent of onchocerciasis (river blindness), a gen proved astonishingly effective. and productive medical entomolo- devastating parasitic infection vec- gist in the nation. Cupp is one of tored by these flies throughout his many remarkable students who Africa and in parts of Latin went on to become leaders in the America. He has in the past field of medical entomology; Cupp quarter century devoted his is arguably the world’s expert on the career to conducting research biology of medically important on three continents on simuliid black flies, the diseases virtually every aspect of the they vector, and the integrated biology of these organisms. management strategies for their In doing so, he has control. Although his work is achieved major break- scholarly beyond reproach, its throughs in understanding impact has extended well beyond their life histories, demogra- the halls of academe; his thorough- phy, systematics, vector-host going investigations into every interactions, and chemical Randy Cohen and Nathan Schiff, ESA 2000.

Entomology Newsletter 2000—39 One of their sons, Gary a bachelor’s degree from Purdue Delaplane, served as the University and a master’s degree company’s director of from the University of Missouri. operations from 1987 until Delaplane received a doctorate in his death in 1994. And entomology from the UI in 1957, one of their daughers, and served as president of the Diana E. Delaplane, is Illinois Pest Control Association in general manager today. 1962.” Several of their 15 employees have been with David Denlinger (PhD 1967). I the company for years. continue to chair the Department One of them, Joe Stoklosa, of Entomology at Ohio State Uni- marked his 50th year with versity, teach insect physiology, and Diana Cox-Foster and Dennis Fielding, ESA 2000. Illini Pest Control in August. edit the Journal of Insect Physiology. On Saturday, the company will I have a few too many meetings to He continues to investigate this mark its 60th anniversary with an attend, but I have a great group of parasite-vector relationship and has employee picnic at Urbana’s Meadow- colleagues with whom I enjoy work- developed a comprehensive strategy brook Park. On hand will be Bill ing. Our lab continues to be inter- for management of both vector and Delaplane, 85, the company’s ested in the regulation of diapause pathogen, providing a model for president, and Nancy Delaplane, and cold hardiness, and periodically management of arthropod-borne 80, the vice president/secretary. (usually in January or February) I diseases throughout the underdevel- The Delaplanes’ connection with disappear to Kenya to pursue my oped world. the business dates back to 1942 interests in tsetse fly reproductive The LAS Alumni Achievement when Bill Delaplane—then a Uni- physiology. Award is given to an individual who versity of Illinois graduate student has “demonstrated the values derived in entomology—was offered a job Jeff Gilardi. Current address: 1002 from a liberal arts and sciences edu- as full-time manager for the firm. Greenwich Dr., Madison, WI 53711. cation.” Cupp has demonstrated The company, originally known these values in a variety of ways— as Illini Pest Control & Service, had Tugrul Giray (PhD 1997). I received by rigorous application of the sci- been founded 3 years earlier by four my BS in biology at Middle East entific method, by learning about entomologists on the faculty and Technical University in Ankara and recognizing the value of other staff of the UI and the Illinois (1990). I arrived at the Department cultures, and by using knowledge to Natural History Survey. of Entomology at Illinois in the improve the lives of other people. “The entomologists—C.L. same year to do a MS thesis under He is an alumnus of whom we have Metcalf, Clyde Kearns, William the supervision of Dr. Gene E. every right to be proud and who McCauley and Dwight Powell— Robinson. I was the first student to has, in turn, earned our praise and later became known for other pro- receive an MS (1993) and a PhD our gratitude. fessional contributions. “McCauley, (1996-defense) from Gene’s bee lab. for example, is credited with the (He has been and continues to be a Bill Delaplane (PhD 1957). He was idea for pest strips and flea collars. great mentor). I then went to the featured in The News-Gazette on Kearns did some of the original Smithsonian Tropical Research September 19, 1999: research on the pesticide chlordane. Institute in Panama for a 1-year “Family built life around busi- And Metcalf was co-author of the postdoctoral fellowship with Mary ness: Champaign-Bill and Nancy textbook “Destructive and Useful Jane West-Eberhard and Dave Delaplane didn’t let a divorce get in Insects.” At Illini Pest Control, they Roubik. My study insects were the way of their business. employed UI students part time as orchid bees and paper wasps. My The Delaplanes, who acquired pest control operators to give them next postdoctoral position was at Illini Pest Control in 1947, kept it practical experience. the laboratory of Dr. Lori Stevens running and turned it into even Delaplane, a native of Wabash, in the Department of Biology at the more of a family business. Ind., came to the UI to get his doc- University of Vermont. I applied torate in entomology after receiving the mechanistic study of insect

40—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Carl Jones (former affili- to 1988. I am currently professor in ate). He is head, Depart- the Department of Biology, Univer- ment of Entomology and sity of Missouri-St. Louis, 8001 Plant Pathology, University Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO of Tennessee, Knoxville. 63121-4499. I study tritrophic in- teractions in oak trees and the par- Phil Lewis (MS 1989, tridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata. PhD 1997). I am a research entomologist with Michael McGuire (PhD 1985). He the USDA-ARS Weed was featured in the Entomological Biological Control Pro- Society of America Newsletter, Feb. gram at Temple, TX. 2000, vol. 23, no. 2: “Biodegrad- David Denlinger and Jack Petersen, ESA able decoy reduces insecticide use: 2000. Chuiying Li (MS 1993). Current A biodegradable decoy that “fatally address: Procter & Gamble Phar- attracts” apple maggot flies or other behavior to the quantitative genetics maceuticals, HCRC Mailbox 1136, insect pests has been patented by model insect Tribolium confusum . In 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., POB US Department of Agriculture August 2000, I accepted my current 8006, Mason, OH 45040-8006. (USDA) researchers and cooperators. position, assistant professor, in the Hung in trees at the edge of Department of Biology, University Edward Lisowski (defeated candidate orchards, the spherical decoy— of Puerto Rico, and turned back to for State Rep, 15th LD, position 2). coated with sugar, high fructose bees (and to Clara’s home country). Only about half the ballots have corn syrup, latex enamel paint and On the personal side, since the been counted, but I have 27.1% of an insecticide—may provide an 1996 Newsletter, there have been the vote to 72.4% for my opponent. alternative to repeated chemical wonderful developments. In 1996 That ratio held throughout the insecticide sprays. I was engaged to Clara Lena evening, so I don’t expect it to USDA Agricultural Research Ser- Gonzalez. In 1997, we got married. change much. I hoped do much vice (ARS) scientists at the National On October 14, 2000, our daugh- better (i.e., 40%) with support of Center for Agricultural Utilization ter Deniz Yuisa was born. She is labor and the Hispanic community Research at Peoria, Illinois, researched now just over 2 months of age and and a strong democratic turnout for the decoy with colleagues at the her weight has doubled to 12 Gore. Now I can get back to think- University of Massachusetts at Am- pounds. If she goes at this rate she ing about insects. herst; Michigan State University at will soon pass her father (extrapola- We had snow in the mountain East Lansing; and the Biotechnol- tion can be tricky business). passes last night so Boreus and ogy Research and Development Address: Department of Biology, Chionea should be out by now. Last Corporation at Peoria. University of Puerto Rico, PO Box August I found near Yakima an The decoy is designed to suit 23360, San Juan, PR 00931; office ephridrid fly ( Lemnaphila scotlandae) insects’ preferences for color, shape, phone: 787/ 764- 0000, or 764- that as a larva feeds on duckweed. size and surface texture. Apple mag- 2908; lab phone: 787/ 764-2907; e- Wayne Mathis at the USNM mail: [email protected]. confirmed that is the same species in the eastern US. My Angel Gonzalez (PhD 1988). I am collections in Illinois had been an associate professor, Department the western-most localities of Crop Protection, University of until my Yakima collections Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. according to Wayne. I think L. scotlandae can be found all Paul Gross (PhD Ecology 1985). My across the US only no one has current position is associate professor, looked for it west of Illinois. Department of Natural Sciences, National-Louis University, Evanston, Bob Marquis. I was a postdoc in Ralph and Carol (Hilfiber Pappas) IL 60201. e-mail: [email protected]. May Berenbaum’s lab from 1986 Howard, ESA 2000.

Entomology Newsletter 2000—41 got flies fall for an apple-size sphere industry relationships and intellec- State University from 1987 to painted black which, like a red apple, tual property management, and will 1988. doesn’t reflect ultraviolet light. also help with federal, state, and Preliminary field tests showed the university accountability issues. He Thomas Miller (research associate decoy maintained 70% of its insect- will be a significant improvement to with Clyde Kearns, 1967-68). I was killing power after 3 weeks in Massa- the overall manpower of the office, Bob Metcalf’s graduate student at chusetts’s orchards. And in other working together with Dr. Paul UCR. He sent me to Illinois, then tests, a similar decoy protected Backman to help the Office be more followed me a year later. I found a apples as well as three applications responsive to faculty needs. McPheron house for him and Esther, then left of the commonly used insecticide will be working 50% time in the for Glasgow on another postdoctoral. azinphosmethyl. office while maintaining many of his Illinois made me an offer in 1969, Commercial manufacture and research and teaching commitments. but I opted to accept one from sales of the decoys containing regis- McPheron has been a member of Riverside. I think the campus hired tered pesticides for use in the United the faculty in the Department of Fred Delcomyn soon after, who had States would require approval by Entomology since 1988, where he gone to Glasgow on a postdoctoral recently was promoted to after I left. (We all seem to be fol- professor. He has been active in lowing each other around). research in the field of insect I am a great fan of May Berenbaum. molecular ecology, focusing on I wish we could clone her. I am also questions in the evolution of benefiting greatly from Hugh species complexes, invasion Robertson’s research program, biology, and insecticide resis- although he isn’t aware of it. I have tance. Along with departmen- had good interactions with Fred tal colleagues, McPheron has Delcomyn, whose efforts on the revised and taught the under- internet are very much appreciated. graduate entomology service Elaine Roberts at Colorado State courses, and he also teaches University and I started an insect graduate courses in the depart- physiology online website to ment. He is a member of the support teaching insect physiology agroecosystems science faculty, (lamar.colostate.edu/~insects/). the Intercollege Graduate Pro- We were joined by Shalom Paul Ode and Claudio Gratton, ESA 2000. gram in Genetics, and the Institute of Applebaum, the famous physiologi- Molecular Evolutionary Genetics. cal ecologist from Israel, who is the US Environmental Protection He has served at the department heading that subtopic on the web Agency. and college levels, including the site. We are in the process of load- Fruit Spheres Inc. of Macomb, College Library and Curriculum ing up some of Fred Delcomyn’s Illinois, has agreed to produce decoys and Instruction Committees and outstanding locomotion graphics for large-scale tests on the apple the Faculty Advisory Committee to on insects walking. They are maggot fly and related insects such the Dean. terrific. as the blueberry maggot fly, the McPheron earned his bachelor’s I was asked to join the editorial cherry fruit fly, and the walnut husk degree in entomology from Ohio board of Henry Hagedorn’s new fly.” State University in 1976, followed exclusively online Journal of Insect by a master’s degree in biology from Science. Henry will post that journal Bruce McPheron (MS Biology 1980, the University of Illinois in 1980. at the University of Arizona Library PhD 1987). From the Department From 1980 to 1983, he served as a and have it freely available. I am of Entomology at Pennsylvania County Extension Agent in also on the editorial board of the State University, he has joined the Clermont County, Ohio, before relatively new Journal of Asia-Pacific Office of Research and Graduate returning to the University of Entomology, edited by the famous Education as an administrative Illinois for his doctoral studies, which insect physiologist, K.S. Boo at fellow. In this new capacity, he will were completed in 1987. He was a Seoul National University in Korea. be assisting the office in the areas of postdoctoral scholar at Louisiana

42—Entomology Newsletter 2000 We genetically altered the pink to work on the web site bollworm and are now applying for from there. permits to release it for field gene flow studies. The permit process has Thomas E. Moore (BS been interesting in that it breaks 1951, MS 1952, PhD new ground. We have the first permit 1956). Although I am to move a transgenic insect across emeritus curator of state lines (from Riverside to Phoe- insects and professor of nix, AZ) to our collaborator, Dr. biology, I am still active Robert T. Staten, Center Director as a PI on a major of the USDA-APHIS Method federal grant adminis- Development Lab. tered here involving PI’s I am helping Steve Morris of at several additional Chris Maier and Andy Chen, ESA 2000. Bristol University with the Second institutions (Cornell, Princeton, African Comparative Physiology McGill, UC- Berkeley). The aim is Purdue University. Mailing address: meeting to be held in Botswana to discover basic properties of loco- Purdue University, 1158 Smith Hall, next August. This is an unusual motion and of gait and orientation West Lafayette, IN 47906-1158; e- meeting in that it is held at Chobe regulation in animals (particularly mail: [email protected]. National Park in which wild animal insects), and modeling those prop- viewing is scheduled into the meeting. erties mathematically in order to Herbert Nigg (PhD 1972) (NRC- My wife, Soo-ok, and I attended incorporate them in robots and in ARS fellow 1972-74). He is a pro- the Brazil Entomology Congress steering insects such as large cock- fessor at the University of Florida. and loved the visit to Iguassu Falls. roaches to deliver environmental Mailing address: 700 Experiment On Nov. 5, Karel and Vera Slama sensors to areas that are difficult or Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850; arrived to spend 6 months with me dangerous for humans access. phone: 863/ 956-1151; fax: 863/ studying the behavior of the insect Together with senior postdoctoral 956-4631; e-mail: [email protected]. circulatory system during eclosion fellow Erich Staudacher, I am also He has one son, Herbert L. Nigg, bouts. working on a small grant supported PhD in chemical engineering at I had one of Marjorie Hoy’s under- study comparing the sensory appa- Illinois; one daughter, Karen M. graduate students, Nicole Benda, ratus of the Madagascan cockroach Lane, DO Board Certified in Pedi- work here for 3 months on our Gromphadorhina portentosa, the atrics; and two granddaughters, insect physiology web site, doing an European cricket Gryllus bimaculatus , Charlotte Nigg and Megan Lane. outstanding job. Nicole, moved to and the Asian walkingstick Carau- Miami in early fall, but continues sius morosus. Matt O’Neal (MS 1998). Greetings Tom Walker, University from Michigan State University. of Florida, and I are work- After finishing a MS in 1998 that ing on a web site to pro- focused on the failure of crop rota- vide free access to all of the tion to protect corn from the western songs, identities, distribu- corn rootworm, I’ve taken that tions, etc., of the crickets, show to Michigan State University katydids, and cicadas of for a PhD. Working with co- North America north of advisors Doug Landis and Chris Mexico that we have tape- DiFonzo, I am investigate corn recorded. We hope to have phenology’s influence on rootworm that site up and running in movement out of corn and into the first few months of the soybean fields where they lay eggs New Year. and subsequently circumvent a corn- soybean rotation (for more of my Jonathan Neal (PhD crazy ideas on this, visit www.msu.edu/ 1983). I am an associate ~onealmat/). For the last 2 years, Richard Allen and Gail Kampmeier, ESA 2000. professor of entomology at I’ve created a series of factsheets

Entomology Newsletter 2000—43 that explain this problem and offer normal semester, when I’m teaching Achievement Award, which recog- Michigan growers advise on how to introductory biology for non-majors, nizes excellence in teaching at the predict injury and estimate the threat most of my students are musicians, university level. Cookie attributes to their fields using the thresholds radio personalities, theater/film any teaching prowess she may developed at Illinois. As a result, I majors. This summer I taught possess to the outstanding instruc- was rewarded the Gordon Guyer “Insects and People”—it sort of sat tion she received as a graduate award for excellence in extension. on the books for the last 8 years or student in entomology at Illinois. Besides school, Elaine Aubin so, but nobody wanted to teach it. Steve and Cookie’s son, Walter, now and I were married during the So, I picked it up and we used in the 7th grade, is still captivated summer of 2000 after an extraordi- May’s book, Bugs in the System. by insects (despite his parent’s nary (and long) courtship. Together, Current address: 313 Auburn St., concerns over his future employ- we quickly became r-strategists, Ithaca, NY 14850. ment) and spends his free time entering into (foster) parenthood in blowing his trombone, drawing, December for a 13-year-old. Life, as Craig Reid (PhD 1989). I hope this playing Gameboy, and occasionally we know it, will never be the same. letter finds you in good health and feeding his pet leopard gecko, Leo. Other highlights to 2000: start- spirits. It’s been an interesting year. ing (and finishing) a 5k race, I finished doing a second season as Michael Slamecka (MS 1999). I receiving a postcard from favorite a fight directing apprentice on accepted a position (May 2000) at author Richard Powers, honey- Martial Law working with the Hong Fordham University, Westchester mooning in the French Quarter Kong action crew. Sadly the show County, north of New York City. and seeing friends and colleagues in was cancelled but the the experience The university is funding a pro- Montreal. was magnificent. If you are keen to gram for mosquito surveillance and look at yet another website, please identification. I will be in charge of check www.losttimethemovie.com. the program working with Drs. It’s dedicated to a screenplay I Richard Falco and Thomas Daniels wrote and created, which we who work on ticks and Lyme dis- shot in Hong Kong for 7 ease. e-mail: slamecka@ fordham.edu. weeks. I also do the writing for the site. Love to hear your Robert Snetsinger (MS 1953, PhD thoughts. Sil’s research is going 1960). I am involved in helping the well, exciting discoveries on general public establish butterfly the horizon. Only problem gardens. This involves creating new with LA... too sunny. e-mail: butterfly friendly habitats and re- [email protected]. storation of neglected waste areas. At the Hollidaysburg (PA) Veterans Carol Sheppard. Hello, home (a Commonwealth assisted everyone! The Sheppards are living facility), we teach the resi- Gene Kritsky and Carol (Anelli) Sheppard, still living in the sleepy town dents about butterflies so that they ESA 2000. of Pullman, Washington, home of can share this special interest with Washington State University. Steve the neighboring community. The Maya Patel (MS 1996). I’m having a is an associate professor in the young people come to see the live lot of fun teaching in the Biology Department of Entomology; he and butterflies and learn about their life Department at Ithaca College. I fell his graduate students are busily cycles in one section of our green- into this job and am now an instruc- working on controlling mites in house. Adults come to learn about tor. I mainly teach introductory honey bees and conducting evolu- butterfly gardening and to purchase biology, but as people leave for tionary studies of the genus Apis. native plants grown by residents for sabbatical or retirement, they assign Carol (Cookie) Anelli Sheppard, their own gardens in another sec- their courses to me—plant ecology assistant professor in the entomol- tion of the greenhouse. The veter- last year, genetics next year, etc. I’ve ogy, has been teaching several ans present programs to schools on gotten to teach a lot of different courses and is the 1999 recipient of tagging migrating Monarch butter- things to a variety of students. In a the Marian E. Smith Faculty flies as a part of the Monarch

44—Entomology Newsletter 2000 Lorne Wolfe (PhD Ecology Mr. Meyer graduated from the 1990). I am an associate pro- University of Illinois in 1951 and fessor of biology at Georgia received a doctoral degree in ento- Southern University. My research mology in 1954. He lettered in areas are (1) the ecological fencing at the UI. genetics of plant invasions, and He worked at the Natural History (2) the evolution of pollination Survey, Champaign. Mr. Meyer was syndromes in flowering plants. in the Army during the Korean War. Bowing to the concerns of my He was a member of New Covenant ex-dissertation advisor, Dr. Fellowship, Champaign, where he Berenbaum, I no longer play was active in a Bible study program hockey or jump out of air- and taught Sunday school for many planes. years. He was also a member of the Illinois Horticulture Society and Cheryl Heinz with husband, ESA 2000. was an independent consultant for orchard growers. Mr. Meyer was most recently involved with the Watch Research Program. They also Necrology Farmer’s Market in Urbana. release native butterflies at nursing Memorial contributions may be homes where the residents are basi- made to the New Covenant Fellow- cally confined to their institutions Ronald Meyer. Ronald H. Meyer, ship Building Fund, Champaign. (www.missionbf.tripod.com/). 70, of Sidney died at 11:15 pm The News-Gazette, October 27, 2000 Wednesday (October 25, 2000) at Barbara Walton (PhD 1978). In 1998, Carle Foundation Hospital, Ur- George Sprugel. A private memorial I left the White House Science bana. Funeral services will be at service for George Sprugel Jr., 79, of Office where I was a senior policy 1:30 pm Sunday at New Covenant 2710 S. First St., Champaign, will analyst for environment, and Fellowship, 124 W. White St., C. be held at his hometown of Will- moved to North Carolina to join The Rev. Ron Simkins, the Rev. iams, Iowa, on Wednesday at the the US Environmental Protection Jim Linder, and the Rev. Judson Williams Cemetery. Renner-Wikoff Agency. The move was a happy one Chubbuch will officiate. Burial will Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, personally—Russ Christman and I be in Lynn Grove Cemetery, south is in charge of local arrangements. married. It was also an exciting of Sidney. Visitation will be from 6 Mr. Sprugel died at 5:15 pm Fri- move professionally. I now work to 8 pm Saturday at Freese Funeral day (September 10, 1999) at Indiana with EPA scientists and managers Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. University Hospital, Indianapolis. in ecology and human health dis- Mr. Meyer was born December He was born September 26, 1919, ciplines on effects research in sup- 30, 1929, in Sparta, a son of Floyd in Boston, Mass., a son of George port of the nation’s Clean Water Act and Edith Hagan Meyer. He mar- and Frances E. Sprugel. He married and Safe Drinking Water Act. As an ried Doris Parsell on December 23, Catharine B. Cornwell on October adjunct professor (Department of 1951, in Jerseyville. She survives. 27, 1945, in Lyons, NY. She survives. Environmental Science and Engi- Also surviving are three sons, Gary Also surviving are one son, Dr. neering) at nearby University of Meyer of Baine, Minn., Jan Meyer Douglas G. Sprugel of Seattle; two North Carolina, Chapel Hill, I’m of Camargo, and Jeff Meyer of Villa grandchildren; two brothers, John able to maintain a link to the aca- Grove; a daughter Laura Ayers of E. Sprugel of Liberty, MO, and Dr. demic world. That link became Stafford, VA; two brothers, Lloyd Charles W. Sprugel of Iowa Falls, stronger this fall when I began Meyer of Denver and Frank Meyer Iowa; three sisters, Martha E. classes as a full-time graduate stu- of Colorado Springs, CO; three Thompson of Story City, Iowa, dent in the Executive MBA pro- sisters, Ann Decker of West Lafayette, Frances M. Hollingsworth of gram at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler IN, Gloria Wiseman of Fort Myers, Phoenix, and Alice P. Ose of Ames, Business School (class of ’02). e-mail: FL, and Joyce Hoffman of Spring- Iowa. [email protected]. field; and 12 grandchildren. He was Mr. Sprugel graduated from preceded in death by a granddaughter. Williams High School in Williams,

Entomology Newsletter 2000—45 Iowa, in 1937, and from Waldorf when recalled to active duty for the National Park Service, the National College, Forest City, Iowa, in 1939. Korean Conflict in April 1951 as Science Foundation, the Corps of He attended Iowa State University assistant or acting head of the Biol- Army Engineers, the National at Ames, Iowa, until called for ogy Branch of the Office of Naval Aeronautic and Space Administra- active duty in the Navy in 1940. Research, Washington, DC. tion, and the National Academy of He served at sea on a destroyer, a Upon release to inactive duty in Sciences National Research Council. hydrographic survey ship, and 1953, Mr. Sprugel became program He also was active in many national motor torpedo boats. Mr. Sprugel director for environmental biology societies and served in several elec- also served in the MTB Squadrons at the National Science Foundation, tive positions, including vice presi- Training Center in Rhode Island Washington, DC, a position he dent for biology and fellow of the until detached for study at the US held until being appointed chief American Association for the Ad- Naval War College. scientist of the National Park vancement of Science; vice president Mr. Sprugel returned to Iowa Service in 1964. and president of the American State University and obtained In 1966, Mr. Sprugel became Institute of Biological Sciences; vice bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate chief of the Illinois State Natural president of the Ecological Society degrees in zoology and entomology History Survey at the University of of America; secretary of the Ameri- in 1946, 1947, and 1950, respec- Illinois and served until his retire- can Society of Zoologists; and trea- tively. He also served as assistant ment as chief emeritus in 1980. surer of the American Water Resources professor in the Department of Mr. Sprugel served in a variety of Association. Zoology and Entomology and as advisory capacities to the govern- Mr. Sprugel also enjoyed reading commander in the US Naval ment and nongovernment agencies, and gardening. Reserve Organized Surface Battal- including the Atomic Energy Com- The News-Gazette, Sept. 13, 1999 ion in Des Moines. mission, the US Bureau of Land Mr. Sprugel was given a leave of Management, the US Environmen- absence at Iowa State University tal Protection Agency, the US

Departmental Donors Thank you for your generous support of entomology during the calendar year 2000.

John K. and Tamara F. Bouseman Lance G. Peterson Chun-Liang Chen Kurt E. and Annemarie H. Redborg Hang and Li-Chun L. Chio Craig D. and Silvia N.M. Reid Robert W. and Linda D. Clegern Charles A. and June R.P. Ross Lawrence J. Crain Paul G. Rumore Tobias F. Dirks, Jr. Claire E. Rutledge John L. Eaton Aubrey G. Scarbrough Jerome E. Freier Alan C. Schroeder Robert F. Harwood Philip F. and Leellen F. Solter Tsuey-Chung Huang James G. Sternburg Jane Alexander Hughes Estate Thomas H. Wilson Richard L. and Martha Lampman Honghong Zhang An-Horng Lee Abbott Laboratories Fund Phillip A. Lewis Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Hengchen Lin American Home Products Corporation William K. and Darlene J. Medler Bulletin of Environmental Contamination Edward L. Mockford and Toxicology Jonathan J. Neal The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Herbert N. Nigg Dow AgroSciences LLC Karen W. O’Hayer Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Stephen J. Parshall WPWR-TV Channel 50 Foundation

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Entomology Newsletter 2000—47 1933--First Entomology Newsletter Cover

48—Entomology Newsletter 2000