Page 1 of 5 [[Research Plan 2012-13: Entomology: Miskelly]] Title: The Orthoptera of British Columbia: Diversity, systematics, ecology, and distribution Theme/Program: Program 13: Diversity [[Some component manuscripts may be better placed under Programs 9, 10, 12]] Abstract: The primary goal of this research is the documentation of the Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) of British Columbia, including the systematics, distribution and ecology of the species involved. This will be accomplished through curation and study of the existing specimens in the RBCM and other collections containing BC specimens. Additional collecting and field studies will be undertaken to increase the RBCM holdings of the Orthoptera and add to our knowledge of this important group of BC insects. Relevant papers will be written to highlight important discoveries. In 2012-13, manuscripts in preparation are “First North American records of Conocephalus dorsalis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)” and “Updated checklist of the Orthoptera of British Columbia” An important secondary goal, several years down the road, is the production of an RBCM handbook on the Orthoptera of BC. Rationale/Full description: The primary goal of this research is the documentation of the Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) of British Columbia, including the systematics, distribution and ecology of the species involved. This will be accomplished through curation and study of the existing specimens in the RBCM and other collections containing BC specimens. Additional collecting and field studies will be undertaken to increase the RBCM holdings of the Orthoptera and add to our knowledge of this important group of BC insects. Relevant manuscripts will be written to highlight important discoveries. An important secondary goal is the production of an RBCM handbook on the Orthoptera of BC. In general, our knowledge of the Orthoptera of BC is in a pioneering stage and much remains to be learned about species occurrence, distribution and status. Emphasis will be placed on taxa that are rare or threatened or that come from threatened habitats (in consultation with the Conservation Data Centre), those that are introduced or invasive, those that are in need of taxonomic clarification (including undescribed species), those that are endemic to BC or have much of their geographical range in BC, those that occur in poorly sampled parts of BC, and those that illuminate historical changes in the province's biogeography. Priority is also given to projects that contribute information to the development of new exhibits in the RBCM. All parts of this project contribute significant material and information to RBCM collections. Research Associate: James Miskelly, Entomology Other participation: • Rob Cannings, PhD: Curator of Entomology, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC • Alan Gillogly, PhD: Curator of Entomology, Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Caldwell, ID • Dan Johnson, PhD: Professor, Geography Department, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB CRA328 ORCS 23500-20 Page 2 of 5 • Steve Perlman, PhD: Associate Professor, Biology Department, University of Victoria, BC • Scott Schell: Research Associate, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY • Collections managers of various institutions, including University of BC, Vancouver; Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, Victoria; Canadian National Insect Collection, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Ottawa; Lyman Entomological Museum, McGill University, Montreal; Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; United States National Museum, New York. Schedule: Short-term (2012-13) Apr-Jun: In the early part of this fiscal year, I will be in contact with curators and collections managers of major entomological collections in the United States in order to obtain loans of specimens. These specimens will be studied following the 2012 field season (see below). In June 2012, I will make a collecting trip to northwestern BC to survey for rare spring-active grasshoppers that are known from the southwestern Yukon. Genetic analysis of the katydid genus Steiroxys is continuing through collaboration with Steve Perlman at the University of Victoria. In April – June of 2012, I will be analysing DNA extracted during the previous fiscal year. Jul-Sep: A collecting trip to the southern Okanagan Valley is planned for late July to sample rare and undercollected species that have been recorded in that area. Another collecting trip will be made to another high-diversity area of southern BC in August or September. The exact location of that trip has not yet been planned. Additional opportunistic collecting will be done on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. During the 2012 field season, I will be sharing information on certain rare or undersampled species with naturalist clubs in selected areas of the province. It is hoped that raising awareness of these rare species will result in the submission of new photographic records or specimens. Already, communications with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy have resulted in reports of a cricket that is rare in western BC and an invitation to make collections in 2012. Oct-Dec: At the close of the field season, all specimens collected will be identified, curated, and databased. Further information will be gathered through study of specimens borrowed from American collections and through the conclusion of current collaborative research at the University of Victoria. This time will also be spent preparing manuscripts for the publication of key findings. Jan-Mar: This time will be spent preparing manuscripts and planning the 2013 field season. Schedule: Long Term The project will continue with collecting trips to undersurveyed areas of BC and investigations of the ecology and systematics of the Orthoptera of the province. All possible methods to generate information will be pursued, including a research connection to the University of Victoria. New information will be disseminated through publication and presentation. When a suitable amount of information has been gathered, it will be summarized with the production of a field guide (RBCM handbook) to the grasshoppers and crickets of BC. CRA328 ORCS 23500-20 Page 3 of 5 Community outreach: Community outreach activities in 2012 will include sharing information with naturalist clubs in selected areas of the province in order to solicit reports of potentially rare species. While no public presentations are specifically planned, it is likely that liaison with naturalist clubs will lead to requests for presentations. Planned publications and other products 2012 First North American records of Conocephalus dorsalis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Updated checklist of the Orthoptera of British Columbia. Genetic evidence for sex-changing symbionts in Steiroxys (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) 2013 Orthoptera of the grasslands of British Columbia (book chapter). Synonymy within the genera Apote and Anabrus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Distribution and systematics of the Melanoplus montanus species group in British Columbia (Orthoptera: Acrididae). First Canadian records of Myrmecophilus manni (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) 2014 Revision of the genus Steiroxys (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). The final product of the project will be the production of a field guide (RBCM handbook) to the grasshoppers and crickets of British Columbia. Approval by Manager (Name, DD/MM/YYYY) CRA328 ORCS 23500-20 Page 4 of 5 Title: Taxonomic and ecological studies of the Lepidoptera of British Columbia Theme/Program: Program 13: Diversity [[Some component manuscripts may be better placed under Programs 9, 10, 12]] Abstract: The goal of this project is to investigate specific questions related to the taxonomy and ecology of BC butterflies as they arise. These investigations will include field studies, collecting, and study of existing museum specimens. Rationale/Full description: The RBCM collection will be used to investigate specific questions related to the taxonomy and ecology of BC butterflies. Additional collecting and field studies will sometimes be necessary to answer these questions. Emphasis will be placed on taxa that are rare or threatened or that come from threatened habitats (in consultation with the Conservation Data Centre), those that are introduced or invasive, those that are in need of taxonomic clarification (including undescribed species), those that are endemic to BC or have much of their geographical range in BC, those that occur in poorly sampled parts of BC, those that illuminate historical changes in the province's biogeography. Priority is also given to projects that contribute information to the development of new exhibits in the RBCM. All parts of this project contribute significant material and information to RBCM collections. Research Associate: James Miskelly, Entomology Other participation: • Rob Cannings, PhD: Curator of Entomology, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC • Crispin Guppy: Entomological Consultant, Whitehorse, YK • Paul Hammond, PhD: Research Associate, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR • Jennifer Heron: Invertebrates at Risk Specialist, BC Ministry of Environment, Vancouver, BC. Schedule: Short-term (2012-13) No research activities are currently planned for 2012-2013. Schedule: Long Term Specific questions related to the systematics and ecology of BC Lepidoptera will be investigated as they arise. Community outreach: Presentations on butterflies will be delivered to community groups if requested. Planned publications and other products None planned at this time. Budget: Internal Use Only CRA328 ORCS 23500-20 Page 5 of 5 Approval by Manager (Name, DD/MM/YYYY) CRA328 ORCS 23500-20 .