The spectacular diversity & vulnerability of Hawaii’s native insects

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Teri L Skillman-Kashyap, (808) 956-8688
Events & Communications Coordinator, Library Services
Posted: Jan 13, 2011

Snail eating bug
Snail eating bug
The Spring 2011 Faculty Lecture Series: Sharing Our Work and Knowledge begins on Thursday, January 20 with a lecture by Daniel Rubinoff entitled, "The spectacular diversity and vulnerability of Hawaii’s native insects." The event will be held in Hamilton Library, room 301 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. 
 
Hawaii is the most isolated landmass on the planet, which is likely the reason for very rare evolutionary phenomena such as predatory caterpillars and carnivorous ice-dwelling Wekiu bugs. Hawaii’s unusual influence is also manifested in unprecedented diversity of evolutionary permutations in what are, elsewhere, usually unremarkable lineages. Unfortunately, Hawaiian insects have suffered from the destruction of native habitats and introduction of invasive species, losing much of their diversity. Saving what remains of Hawaii’s amazing endemic insects should be a priority and is something in which everyone can take part.
 
Daniel Rubinoff is a UH Manoa associate professor and director of the University of Hawaii Insect Museum. He has authored more than 40 scientific papers and book chapters including work in internationally recognized journals like Science and The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. His research has been covered in dozens of newspapers including the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, as well as prominent newspapers, websites, magazines and television stations in the U.S. and more than 20 foreign countries. In addition to teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level, Dan leads a molecular systematics and ecology lab that focuses on the use of DNA sequence data to understand evolutionary relationships in both threatened and invasive insects, with the intention of applying this research to practical problems in conservation and agriculture.
 
The Faculty Lecture Series is presented by Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, Office of Research Relations, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa library.
 
Admission free and refreshments are provided.  Doors open at 3:15 p.m.