CJAI No. 16 – The Fireflies of Ontario

 Entomology, Guest Blog, Life as a Grad Student, Natural History, Publication  7 Responses »
Aug 262011
 

Today’s guest post is by Stephen Luk, the lead author of Fireflies of Ontario (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification. Stephen is an M.Sc. candidate at the University of Guelph as part of the Insect Systematics Lab, and while his main research is now focusing on Sphaeroceridae taxonomy, he has maintained a keen interest in the remaining Insecta. Stephen is a frequent contributor to BugGuide.net, and an avid nature photographer.

Lampyridae - Lampyrinae - Photinus obscurellus (m) - Stephen Luk Firefly

Photinus obscurellus by Stephen Luk

Over the moist meadows where stargazers behold the star-studded sky, insect enthusiasts can admire the summer scintillations of fireflies. Their neon glows spark fond childhood memories: of fields lit by symphonic displays; of brilliant twinkling in a jar set among the grass or over a book. But the fireflies of lore and poetry are truthfully poorly understood. They are often difficult to identify both in the field and in the laboratory. The shape and colour of a species can vary bewilderingly, and only an informed observer is capable of confidently identifying species amid the dazzling nocturnal orchestration. This is said of adults, and scarcely of immature stages, the knowledge of which is mostly sparse to absent.

Thankfully, the confusion is subsiding with the advent of novel identification tools. “The Fireflies of Ontario (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)”, published in the Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification, features an updated list of Ontario fireflies as well as a comprehensive and user-friendly key to adult fireflies in Canada east of Ontario. Users will discover a practical platform upon which to illuminate the fascinating lives of fireflies. This resource arrived just as these wonderful beetles mesmerized the public with their seasonal light shows. Fireflies were certainly well represented this summer in southwestern Ontario — I observed nearly a dozen species upon a few occasions here in Guelph.

Behind the scenes with fireflies

I became acquainted with fireflies as an undergraduate student, and was appalled that creatures so familiar were so harrowing to identify. Thus, I assembled obscure literature, meticulously determined specimens and wrestled long with species in the genus Photinus (remarkably similar species in this region). I amalgamated and redesigned keys while gladly illustrating them with pinned specimens, but disapproved the paucity of suitable live images, and have since embarked on a quest to rectify this personally. The product was defended and published fourteen months later, rendering Ontario’s adult fireflies identifiable. I have since accumulated additional images, and was even privileged to dispense some expertise through the CBC.

Steve’s CBC Radio Interview

Steve was also interviewed for an article in the London Free Press

ResearchBlogging.orgLuk, S., Marshall, S., & Branham, M. (2011). The Fireflies of Ontario (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification DOI: 10.3752/cjai.2011.16 OPEN ACCESS

Looking for an Entomology Graduate Degree?

 Entomology, Graduate Opportunity, Life as a Grad Student  No Responses »
Aug 302010
 

I thought I’d pass along a few entomology graduate positions that have been posted for universities in Ontario:

Pollination Ecology of Dacus carota (Umbelliferae) – M.Sc. – Dr. Fiona F. Hunter, Brock University, St. Catherines

Dr. Fiona F. Hunter has funding available to support one MSc graduate student for 2 years (effective immediately) to study the pollination ecology of Daucus carota. This includes both edible carrot and its wild relative, Queen Anne’s Lace. Daucus carota is characterized by having a dark central floret. Darwin, himself, speculated that the dark central floret may now be functionless and possibly represents a trait that has persisted long after its original function has been lost. Other researchers have postulated that the dark central floret serves to attract pollinators to the flower. This MSc opportunity will be aimed at determining what insects are common visitors to edible carrot and to Queen Anne’s Lace, how these insects affect seed set, and whether the dark central floret is adaptive or not. The student who undertakes this project will have a strong background in ecology and evolution, entomology and biostatistics.
If you are interested in this MSc opportunity, please send a covering letter, cv, unofficial transcript and a statement of interest to: Dr. Fiona F. Hunter, Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1 or email the documents to fhunter@brocku.ca

Speciation and Mating Systems in the Arctic Butterflies (genus Oeneis) Ph.D. – Dr. Gard W. Otis, University of Guelph

Macoun’s Arctic (Oeneis macounii) and other butterfly species in the genus Oeneis are reported to have biennial life cycles, with individuals requiring two years to develop from egg to adult. Preliminary evidence indicates that this 2‐year life cycle is obligatory in O. macounii. This presents the possibility that even‐year populations are reproductively isolated from odd‐year populations. The central question is: has allochrony caused by their two year life cycle resulted in genetic and morphological divergence between even‐ and odd‐year populations? This question will be explored through laboratory sequencing and computer analyses of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA regions as well as landmark‐based morphometric analyses. In addition, field studies will lead to a better understanding of adult ecology, dispersal, and male‐male competition in one or more lekking species.
Applicant must have a strong interest and background in ecology and evolution as well as excellent writing abilities. Experience with entomology, DNA amplification and sequencing, animal behaviour and/or biostatistics will be strengthen your application. You must meet the minimum conditions of NSERC Scholars (i.e. citizen or permanent resident of Canada; minimum 80% average in your last two years of study). Completion of an MSc degree is preferred, but students with an honours BSc degree and very strong academic record will be considered.
If you are interested in this PhD opportunity, please e‐mail or mail a covering letter, cv/resume, unofficial transcript and a statement of interest to: Dr. Gard W. Otis, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, gotis@uoguelph.ca

Please contact the advising professor if you want more information. Good luck!