Faculty and Staff News

Please Welcome

Panpim Thongsripong, Assistant Professor of Vector-borne Disease Ecology at Vero Beach FMEL.

Dr. Nicole Quinn will start as an Assistant Professor in Biological Control at the Indian River REC on July 1, 2022.

Two Bees in a Podcast

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 23, 2022, <br> Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu take a deep dive into best practices for hive management throughout the month of March! This episode ended with a Q&A segment.

 

Lab News

Need to name that bug? A host of experts are available to help Floridians identify any insect or related arthropod. If a mystery creature has six or more legs, the UF Insect ID Lab is the place to call.

Above: Schizomida

Schizomida an Arachnid order seldomly encountered. This individual was found preying on Collembola within the nest material of Reticulitermes flavipes (Photo: Thomas Chouvenc).

Jonas Henske, a visiting PhD Student from Germany, hosted by the Thomas Chouvenc Lab in Ft Lauderdale, has wrapped data collection on the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma, in collaboration with Nicholas Saleh, currently a postdoc in the Chouvenc Lab. Jonas has returned to Germany, but before leaving on Dec 14th, he presented a terrific seminar to the Broward County Master Gardener Association about the role of perfumes in orchid bee mating behavior, generating a lot of interest for local South Florida community to host orchid bee boxes in their gardens.

Student News

Our department is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the John A. Mulrennan, Sr. Outstanding M.S. and Ph.D. Student Awards in Entomology and Nematology.

• Sierra Schleup completed a MS under the supervision of Eva Buckner. Title: Time of day variation in permethrin susceptibility and the role of metabolic resistance in Florida Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

• Tse-Yu Chen completed a PhD under the supervision of Chelsea Smartt. Title: The role of autophagy in Dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti.

These two accomplished graduates have been put forward as nominees in the college-level competition for the CALS Award of Excellence for Graduate Research. Please congratulate these students and their mentors on their achievements!

Make It Count

On Monday, February 22, 2022, the Make it Count Peer Mentoring Program hosted a Reveal Party to announce our Spring 2022 mentorship matches!!! Our goal was to support connections between students regardless of their location. As of today, we have matched 28 mentees with 20 mentors and helped to build connections between students in Gainesville and RECs. Thank you to the mentees, mentors, and everyone who help make this event and this program a success.

If you are interested in joining Make It Count as a mentor, a mentee, or if you want to know more about our program, please visit our website at https://spark.adobe.com/page/DFp4rEdB6zfVu/ or contact our program chair, Sarah Anderson Weaver andersonsarah@ufl.edu.

James Pinkney, Julian Cordo, and Noah Barguez-Arias, attendees of the Make it Count Spring 2022 Reveal Party.

Laurel Lietzenmayer and Kaylin Kleckner, attendees of the Make it Count Spring 2022 Reveal Party.

Miles Maxcer and John Ternest, attendees of the Make it Count Spring 2022 Reveal Party.

Pictured above are attendees of the Make it Count Spring 2022 Reveal Party from left to right: Sarah Anderson Weaver, James Brown, Brett Labella, Octavio Menocal, Xiaodi Wang, Marcelo De Giosa, Yuexun Tian, Courtney Kennedy, Emily Roeder, Valerie Nguyen, Leo Ohyama, Kelly Carruthers, Lovely Adhikary, James “Louis” Pinkney, Kendall Stacey, Decyo McDuffie, TJ Fedirko, Avery Roe, Abdullah Alomar, Yasmin Tavares, Hannah Atsma, and Jasleen Kaur.

• Barry S, Stofer KA, Loizzo J, & DiGennaro P. 2022. High school students’ perceptions of science and scientists improve following university-based online DNA day. Journal of Biological Education 1-16.

• Kamali S, Javadmanesh A, Stelinski LL, Kyndt T, Seifi A, Cheniany M, Zaki-Aghl M, Hosseini M, Heydarpour M, Masoudi-Nejad A, Asili J, Karimi J. 2022. Beneficial worm allies warn plants of parasitic attack belowground and reduce aboveground herbivore preference and performance.  Molecular Ecology 31: 691-712. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.16254

• Ibanez F, Suh JH, Wang Y, Stelinski LL. 2022. Salicylic acid mediated immune response of Citrus sinensis to varying frequencies of herbivory and pathogen inoculation. BMC Plant Biology 22: 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-021-03389-5

• Jones CM, Ciubotariu II, Muleba M, Lupiya J, Mbewe D, Simubali L, Mudenda T, Gebhardt M, Carpi G, Malcolm AN, Kosinski KJ, Romero-Weaver AL, Stevenson JC, Lee Y, Norris DE. 2021. Multiple novel clades of anopheline mosquitoes caught outdoors in northern Zambia. Frontiers of Tropical Disease 2: 780664. https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2021.780664 (note Malcolm AN is a UF undergrad student, Kosinski KJ is a UF ENY master student).

• Rashid I, Campos M, Collier T, Crepeau M, Weakley A, Gripkey H, Lee Y, Schmidt H, Lanzaro GC. 2022. Spontaneous mutation rate estimates for the principal malaria vectors Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles stephensi. Scientific Reports 12: 226. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03943-z

• Kalaman H, Wilson SB, Mallinger RE, Knox GW, van Santen E. 2021. Evaluation of native and nonnative ornamentals as pollinator plants in Florida: I. Floral abundance and insect visitation. HortScience 57: 126-136.

• Kalaman H, Wilson SB, Mallinger RE, Knox GW, Kim T, Begcy K, van Santen E. 2021. Evaluation of native and nonnative ornamentals as pollinator plants in Florida: II. Floral resource value. HortScience 57: 137-143.

• Brunke AJ, Schnepp KE. 2021. Taxonomic changes in Nearctic Paederinae, new records and a redescription of the enigmatic genus Acrostilicus Hubbard (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 75 (4): 883–894.

• Lee SB, Chouvenc T, Su NY. 2021. Differential time allocation of foraging workers in the subterranean termite. Frontiers in Zoology 18 (61). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12983-021-00446-5 .

• Jouquet P, Harit A, Hervé V, Moger H, Carrijo T, Donoso DA, Eldridge D, da Cunha HF, Choosai C, Janeau JL, Maeght JL, Thu TD, Briandon A, Skali MD, van Thuyne J, Mainga A, Pinzon Florian PP, Issa OM, Podwojewski P, Rajot JL, Henri-des-Tureaux T, Smaili L, Labiodh M, Boukbida HA, Shanbhag R, Muon R, Ann V, Cheik S, Fall S, Traoré S, Dupont S, Chouvenc T, Mullins AJ, Syukani S, Zaiss R, Tien TM, Šobotník J, Auclerc A, Qiu R, Tang YT, Huot H, Sillam-Dussès D, Bottinelli N. 2022. The impact of termites on soil sheeting properties is better explained by environmental factors than by their feeding and building strategies. Geoderma 412: 115706.

• Johnston N, Paris T, Paret M, Freeman J, Martini X. 2022. Repelling whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) using limonene-scented kaolin: a novel pest management strategy. Crop Protection 154: 105905.

• Olabiyi DO, Duren EB, Price T, Avery PB, Hahn PG, Stelinski LL, Diepenbrock LM. 2021. Suitability of formulated entomopathogenic fungi against hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), deployed within mesh covers intended to protect citrus from huanglongbing. Journal of Economic Entomology 115: 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab243

• Diepenbrock LM. 2021. Laboratory screening of molluscicidal baits for Bulimulus sporadicus (O’Brigny 1835), a growing pest concern in Florida citrus. Arthropod Management Tests 46 (1): tsab163. https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsab163

• Burkett-Cadena ND, Day JF, Unnasch TR. 2022. Ecology of eastern equine encephalitis virus in the southeastern United States: incriminating vector and host species responsible for virus amplification, persistence, and dispersal. Journal of Medical Entomology 59 (1): 41-48. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjab076.

• Menocal O, Kendra PE, Padilla A, Chagas PC, Chagas EA, Crane JH, Carrillo D. 2022. Influence of canopy cover and meteorological factors on the abundance of bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in avocado orchards affected by laurel wilt. Agronomy 12: 547.

Meetings and Presentations

Above: James Boothroyd, delivers his first oral presentation.

James Boothroyd, Ph.D. student in Dr. Christine W. Miller’s laboratory, presented a talk in-person at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology conference in Phoenix, AZ. His talk was titled “Reproductive investment in weaponless males.” Dr. Ginny Greenway, who recently completed her time as a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Miller’s lab, presented online. Her poster was titled “Testing the impact of autotomy on locomotion in the insect Leptoglossus phyllopus,” and she also presented a talk titled “How does the timing of weapon loss influence reproductive traits in the insect Narnia femorata?”

Entomology & Nematology Education and Outreach

Don’t forget the Entomology and Nematology Education and Outreach Program is available and will accommodate with both virtual presentations and in person presentations!

Recent Outreach events:

• January 12th – Undergraduate Entomology Club: Jennifer Standley was there introducing the club to the Entomology Department and Outreach; the petting zoo also was shown off. Hands on with the arthropods is always fun.

• January 29th – Insectathon: This is an event that gathers youth from all over the state to compete by taking tests and having their collections/insect art judged. Last year it was virtual, but this year it was in person and we were so happy about that. Dr. Rebecca Baldwin organized one amazing event here, including help from Courtney Quirie and Jennifer Standley. It was a great turn out of 55 participants. We could not have done it without our awesome 26 volunteers! Thank you to: Laurie Reed, Brett LaBella, Jordyn Ranfone, Sarah Tafel, Remy Powell, Joey Gonsiorek, Bella Scramoncin, Brighton Reed, Haley Dabbs, Noah Barguezarias, Jenna Curtis, Nicholas Stylianou, Julian Cordo, Ellie Gulkis, Noah Barguez-Arias, Hunter Kurlowicz, Rhys Campo, Margaret Shealy, Helen-Rose Beiriger, Gabby Gonzales, Nolan Missigman, Vilheim Piwowariek, Athena Conde, Joy Liu, Yasmine Zaydon.

Future Outreach Events VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: • We have quite a few tabled events and tours scheduled in the near future. Email jstandley1@ufl.edu for more information.

Entomology on the Go  

What’s better than a live show and tell of some really cool arthropods?! Our live petting zoo consists of: tarantulas, scorpions, vinegaroons, bess beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and native insects, when in season. With a short training program, they are available for you to check out should you be leading an outreach event, even if it is virtual. The critters are always popular with both youth and adults and are used as a tool to expose the public to STEM disciplines. We have large wood and Plexiglas cages for viewing our native orb weaving spiders. There is one travel cage and one larger static cage. We also have activity kits and lesson plans that are available as well. Please be sure to contact us and review the protocol on transportation and handling of the animals. If you lead an outreach event, be sure to fill out a documentation form so your event can be included in the newsletter and we can log all outreach events. Also note that volunteering to assist with outreach events will count as departmental service for ENSO travel grants.  (Please note that some venues require background checks or additional screening.)

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email us.

Cheers! - Jennifer Standley, Outreach Coordinator.

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/outreach/department-outreach-information/

First Undergraduate Entomology Club meeting of the semester. Great turnout!

Volunteers for Insectathon with Dr. Rebecca Baldwin (center).

Dr. Rebecca Baldwin (far right) giving awards to the eager youth participants of Insectathon.

State Fair

The theme for the Entomology and Nematology Department’s Insect Encounter display at the 2022 Florida State Fair was “Innovations in Entomology” and highlighted some of UF/IFAS Entomology’s licensed inventions. UF has participated in Insect Encounter for more than 20 years to educate the people of Florida about the fields of Entomology and Nematology. Among the featured inventions was Dr. Phil Koehler’s patented mosquito and fly traps marketed under the Inzecto line of products. The Inzecto mosquito trap was first developed at the University of Florida to protect deployed warfighters in the U.S. military from disease-carrying mosquitoes. Also featured was Dr. Nan-Yao Su’s Sentricon Termite Baiting System which has provided new technology to the pest management industry and to homeowners globally. Both Drs. Su and Koehler are members of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame. Please be sure to see the abbreviated display in the lobby of the Entomology and Nematology Department. The display was designed by Randy Fernandez and Kay Weigel with the Entomology Education and Outreach Program. Innovations in Entomology is available for viewing in our department through mid-March. More than 6000 visitors to the Florida Center viewed UF Innovations in Entomology during the Florida State Fair.

Special thanks to all the volunteers and faculty who participated in the state fair!

Participating groups included:

• IRREC Minteer Biological Control of Weeds Lab
• FMEL
• Entomology Club
• Crow Nematology Lab
• Gulf Coast REC
• Entomology Education and Outreach Lab
• HBREL
• Hahn Insect Ecology Lab
• Mallinger Lab
• Liburd Lab
• Citrus REC Lab.

Getting social!

Use #UFBugs so our department can find and share your social posts easily!

We have several social media sites for the Entomology & Nematology Department. To make them easily searchable, all three (YouTube, Facebook and Twitter) have the same page name: UFEntomology. Please share these links with past students or colleagues who may have an interest in departmental activities.

Grants

return to top

• Dr. Amanda Hodges was awarded a Florida Tomato Grant ($36,786).


• Dr. Bonning is a CO-PI on a recent USDA award: SP: Targeting the Asian citrus psyllid gut to block Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus transmission. The PI is Dr. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski from the AG-CREC LAKE ALFRED department. Dr. Bonning’s award amount as a Co-PI is $434,630.00.


• Dr. Martini’s lab received a $29,455 grant from the Florida Tomato committee. Title: “Using colored kaolin clay and natural repellents to control whitefly populations in tomato crop.

Want grant writing tips? Check out the UF Libraries Grants Management Program

Save the Date Spring! 2022 Bee College will take place March 11 & 12, 2022

The Termite Course for Professionals will take place March 23rd-25th 2022

Want to stay up to date? Check out our website home page for a link to our Google calendar.

About this Newsletter

Randy Fernandez is the newsletter editor and does the HTML coding. Newsletters usually are published around mid-month. Submit items for an issue by the seventh of the month.

We like to share news when it happens using our social media outlets: Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Follow us on these sites for daily updates! When you send news, we will post it on one or more of these sites and again in the monthly newsletter. Please be sure you have permission from people in photographs you submit for publication.

UF-Bugnews-L listserv subscribers receive notices when issues are posted. Our home page has instructions for subscribing and unsubscribing.

Special thanks to James Brown, Pam J. Howell and Nancy Sanders for reviewing the newsletter for errors, and to Jane Medley and Don Wasik for webpage build and design.

Give Back
Want to support the UF Entomology & Nematology Department? Consider making an online gift today! Questions can be directed to Cody Helmer at (352) 392-1975 or chelmer@ufl.edu.