Summary Research Opportunity in Arthropod Taxonomy and Natural History:
Dr. Kerry Katovich

What do we study?

My research and interests are centered on taxonomy, systematics, and the natural history of various insect and related groups. My primary focus is a group of scarab beetles called the Macrodactylini. This large group of beetles, about 700 species, is mainly South American. I have been working on the upper level classification of these organisms. A second interest is the revision of a smaller group of beetles called the Rhipiceridae (cedar beetles). This uncommonly encountered beetle family is in need of revision at all levels. I have begun to look at the North American species, with the intention of producing an identification key to species of North America.

These research projects are complex and offer only limited options for students or assistants to help with. However, they can offer a look into the world of organism classification, i.e. the fields of taxonomy and systematics.

I have nine studies that are more suited for individuals interested in field-oriented research, learning techniques of insect sampling, identification, and recording natural history information.

Participants will focus on one project for the purposes of the summer research program, however they will also help out on all ongoing projects. I envision a work week of approximately three to four days depending on weather, which project is being focused on, and time of year. Research of this nature is a dynamic process, with rapid changes in focus, the seizing of opportunities, and waiting for appropriate conditions. Fieldwork usually means some travel to a site, and several hours of collecting or observations.

What will student researchers do?

Field work and research that I will be looking for help with are listed below. Fieldwork will encompass travel to sites around Wisconsin, collection of insects, and associated invertebrates, and observation of the natural history of organisms. Collections may require long trips (vehicle provided), and a few late nights (many of these organisms are out only at night).

  1. A state-wide survey of the beetle family Heteroceridae. These semi-aquatic beetles are found along streams and rivers. They are virtually unknown, and poorly studied. I will be surveying the state to collect specimens, producing a key to the species, observing the natural history, which includes the interesting behavior of parental care. A major focus this year will be to collect the immature stages, many of which are undescribed. Collecting trips may require late nights of collecting, hand collection along waterways, and several trips around Wisconsin.
  2. An effort to catch subterranean insects using a novel trap will be started during the spring of 2004. We know so little of the animals that spend a large portion or even their entire lifespan underground. This trapping effort will need monitoring and collecting of trapped material over the summer. Some identification and sorting of collected material will be necessary. Survey sites are centered along the Wisconsin River Valley.
  3. Numerous organisms utilize the soil mounds of pocket gophers. This is an interesting microhabitat that I have been investigating. During 2004 I will be surveying the invertebrates that are utilizing the mounds, with an effort to collect, rear, and describe the numerous beetles that are present. This study requires several day trips at different times to the Wisconsin River Valley, and central Wisconsin.
  4. An investigation of the plant specificity of the beetle family Mordelidae will be undertaken. This study will investigate if these beetles have a specific preference for various prairie plants here in Southern Wisconsin. This project will require the rearing and care of numerous prairie plants, collection of beetles, observation of beetle activity, and possible descriptions of previously undescribed larval stages.
  5. A small-scale rearing study of beetles associated with dead branches in oak savanna will be started in 2004. This will require the collection of branches and setting up and monitoring of results. This research will require several trips to southern and central Wisconsin.
  6. For those interested in the challenge of pursuing a moving target, I will be investigating the prey specificity of two of Wisconsin’s largest predatory flies, Promachus and Proctacantus, known more commonly as robber flies. The diets of these flies are poorly studied. These large flies may turn out to be significant predators in their ecosystems, but whether they prefer a particular prey item remains to be seen. Researchers will observe these elusive flies in the field, capturing them after they have secured a prey item. The flies are collected alive and released, with only their prey items collected for identification. These flies are territorial, so a single fly can be observed over an entire day.
  7. During the summer I will also be continuing a survey of the local Opilionidae (Harvestmen), Pseusoscorpiones, and Centipedes. I have a current undergraduate student who has been interested in collecting these organisms, with the goal of producing a local key to species, and for the first time a list of what species occur here.
  8. Traps will be put out to collect live dung beetles and picnic beetles (Nitidulidae), which will be returned and placed in rearing containers to obtain previously unknown larval stages. Traps will require monitoring on a weekly basis.
  9. Local crab spiders will be collected and reared. This is intended to provide a study of pattern and morphology change, with the hope of usage in the identification of immature crab spiders, currently a difficult task. An assistant will be needed to rear the spiders and illustrate pattern changes. Rearing will require monitoring and feeding on a daily basis.

What kind of skills and knowledge will I take from this experience?

Participants will learn techniques of insect sampling, basic identification skills, and methods of natural history observation. The laboratory portion of this type of research is focused mainly on sorting materials, possible illustrations, photography, care and monitoring of live arthropods, micro dissections, and recording data. Arthropods can provide academics and future researchers with numerous tools and lessons for their future. I look forward to working with those interested in this type of research.

Research Papers