Texas A&M Entomology Research Network

Rob Williams

Millions of monarch butterflies killed on Texas highways

by

Texas A&M works to protect monarchs on Texas roads, and they need your help

by Laura Muntean, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

A monarch butterfly was killed on U.S. Highway 190 about 4 miles west of Lampasas, Texas. (Kaitlin Lopez, Department of Entomology)
A monarch butterfly was killed on U.S. Highway 190 about 4 miles west of Lampasas, Texas. (Kaitlin Lopez, Department of Entomology)

Monarch butterflies are moving south through Texas on their annual autumn migration to overwintering sites in Central Mexico, but millions die in collisions with vehicles while flying low across Texas highways. Monarch numbers have declined about 82% over the last 23 years, and road mortality can significantly contribute to their dwindling numbers.

The monarch butterfly, Texas’ state insect, was petitioned for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2014. In response, many individuals, agencies and organizations, including Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology, have been working to understand why the monarch population is so diminished and find solutions.

The problem for monarch butterflies in Texas

The early spring and closing autumn monarch migratory events occur in Texas. Some monarchs travel 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico in the autumn, then return another 1,000 miles back to Texas and Oklahoma in the spring to lay eggs. This gives the monarch the distinction of the longest migration of any insect.

On their journey North in the spring, monarchs lay eggs on milkweeds and pass through two generations in Texas before dispersing throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S. Later generations reach as far north as Canada by the end of summer. On the return journey south during the autumn, the butterflies move through narrowing areas on their migration to Mexico. They basically go through a geographic funnel during their return to Mexico in the fall.

Janice Bovankovich (left) and Kaitlin Lopez (right) walking 100-meter monarch roadkill transect on Texas Highway 47, College Station, Texas on Oct. 28. (Photo credit: James Tracy, Department of Entomology)
Janice Bovankovich (left) and Kaitlin Lopez (right) walking 100-meter monarch roadkill transect on Texas Highway 47, College Station, Texas on Oct. 28. (Photo by: James Tracy, Department of Entomology)

In previous investigations, Texas A&M researchers first uncovered a large amount of autumn monarch roadkill in West Texas, such as along Interstate Highway 10 from Junction to Sheffield. They found that road mortality of autumn-migrating monarchs from Oklahoma to Mexico depleted about 2-4% of the population that would typically arrive at Mexican overwintering sites.

“The mortality was observed to be clustered in “roadkill hotspots” in both the Central and Coastal flyways,” said James Tracy, Ph.D., a research associate for AgriLife Research working on the project. “Roadkill hotspots” are locations where monarch road death is highest.

A partnership to find a solution for monarch butterflies on Texas highways

The Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, Research and Technology Implementation Division is sponsoring research at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to systematically determine the location and extent of monarch roadkill on Texas roadways and consider mitigation strategies that could be implemented to reduce mortality.

“Over the next two years we are conducting four seasonal surveys of Texas roadways to identify the location and extent of roadkill hotspots,” said Robert Coulson, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Entomology.

The first of four Texas monarch roadkill field survey trips for this autumn was initiated in October and will continue through November. Surveys are conducted by field assistants Janice Bovankovich and Kaitlin Lopez, both experienced from previous fieldwork with Monarch Joint Venture.

Their task will be to survey dozens of 100-meter transects for road-killed monarchs along expansive stretches of Texas roadways. The surveys will be timed to follow the passage of monarchs on their southward migration. As the migration corridor narrows when approaching Mexico, populations of monarchs become more concentrated and road mortality is expected to increase.

Data from the surveys will be used to assess the impact of roadkill on the overwintering population in Mexico, to define the location and extent of roadkill hotspots, and to provide TxDOT mitigation options that could be implemented to reduce mortality.

Help identify monarch roadkill hotspots 

The autumn migration is happening right now, and generally runs from October through mid-November, occurring latest along the Gulf Coast.

“If signs of these monarch roadkill hotspots are near you, please send us an email so we can come take a look,” Coulson said. “We need to know the timing and location of roadkill hotspots as the migration moves through Texas.”

Email Robert Coulson, r-coulson@tamu.edu, if you find a monarch roadkill hotspot near you.

What is Forensic Entomology? Professor shares insight on how insects assist in legal investigations

by

by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

Students investigating at a mock crime scene on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station
Students investigating at a mock crime scene on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. Photo by Rob Williams

Insects can help fight crime by providing important scientific insights that can be applied to legal investigations – plus provide interested individuals with a truly unique profession in forensic entomology. While most may view forensic entomology as the “creepy-crawly” part of CSI-type television shows, that perspective only scratches the surface of this field.

Forensic entomology is the understanding of how the biology of insects and arthropods that inhabit decomposing remains can be used for the purpose of assisting in a variety of legal investigations. Forensic entomologists often work with medical examiners, coroners, local and state police agencies and federal agencies, using their knowledge and skills to ascertain valuable information to be used in their investigations.

AgriLife Today asked Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin, professor and director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program about his interest in forensic entomology as well as his involvement in investigations to assist law enforcement.

In what ways are insects used to provide insights or information for forensic investigations?

Tomberlin: Insects tend to find vertebrates — humans or other animals — soon after death. By understanding how insects develop we can estimate time of colonization, which can translate into a minimum time-of-death estimate based on certain assumptions. Of course, because some of these insects colonize living individuals, understanding their biology can also be quite useful for determining instances of neglect or abuse. And, they can help in determining if there have been health code violations.

Insects, as related to forensics, can also be useful for determining if a deceased individual had consumed narcotics prior to death — or if the remains were moved from one location to another.

Has the popularity of crime scene investigation TV shows helped bring greater attention to forensic entomology?

Tomberlin: Most definitely. I believe the interest in forensics at Texas A&M, in general, is partially driven by such shows and the overall interest the public has shown in them.

What bugs you about crime scene TV? Do they get certain things wrong — or oversimplify them?

Tomberlin: Ha! Nothing really “bugs” me about it. As I see it, they do the best they can with representing the science. And if they can encourage the youth of this country to have an interest in STEM subjects, I’m all for it. Of course, our job at the university is to help address any misunderstandings that may arise regarding the sciences implemented in forensics.

How did you become interested in forensic entomology? Was there something in particular that drew you to this field?

Tomberlin:  The exact moment when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in this field occurred during my undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Georgia. I was taking an elective in entomology that was much like the Insects and Society course at Texas A&M. I had an interest  in attending medical school and pursuing a career in forensic pathology, but when my professor discussed forensic entomology, I knew at that moment I wanted to be a forensic entomologist.  Medical school was no longer a consideration.

What coursework does Texas A&M offer related to forensic entomology? 

Tomberlin: We have a number of courses that relate to forensic entomology, but the key course is titled Forensic Entomology. This is a three-hour course that also has a lab component. This course has been at Texas A&M for over 20 years and is the seed from which the forensic science program germinated.

We also have other courses that address the science aspect of forensic science. There are courses in crime scene investigation, applied forensic entomology and the science of forensic entomology. There are also several courses related to other aspects of forensics, such as biotechnology and forensics and forensic soil science.

FACTOID: Texas A&M University’s Forensic and Investigative Sciences major in the Department of Entomology was ranked No. 1 out of the top 25 forensic science programs in the U.S. by Bachelor’s Degree Center.

Who do you collaborate with in your forensic investigations?

Tomberlin: We work closely with multiple local, state and federal institutions from across the U.S.. Over the course of my career, I have assisted with more than 130 investigations.

Can you tell us about the forensic investigations you helped with?  

Tomberlin: For most cases, I am asked to review entomological evidence associated with decomposing remains to determine time of colonization, which can be used to infer a minimum time of death. However, I have also worked on cases dealing with abuse and neglect. And, I have had civil cases involving insects on human remains in funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, as well as in food at restaurants.

What is the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Science, or FLIES, facility at Texas A&M, and what sort of research is being done there to expand or improve the science related to forensic entomology?

Tomberlin: The FLIES facility is where the “rubber meets the road” as far as decomposition ecology research at Texas A&M. Basically, we focus on everything related to decomposition, but our primary interests are exploring how nature recycles organic matter, and how such information can be used to better society. While many people recognize us for our forensic efforts, we also explore the use of such processes to recycle organic waste to produce protein for use as livestock feed. We also try to apply such information in sustainable agriculture with confined animal facilities. We look at “cultural” methods for reducing nuisance flies associated with such operations to reduce or eliminate the need for insecticides. But as far as forensic entomology, we want to determine what factors regulate insect attraction to and colonization of remains.

What is something about the practice of forensic entomology that people may not realize?

Tomberlin: I think it’s interesting that out of the 130-plus cases I have been a part of, I have only been to one actual crime scene. A person can have an interest in entomology — but not want to deal with decomposing human remains — and still be quite successful in the discipline. I’ve never had a problem with the macabre aspects of my discipline, so this has never been an issue for me. I’m just stating this as fact for those who may feel unsure if they can “handle” forensic entomology.

Where do graduates with degrees in forensic entomology work? 

Tomberlin: I have found that most students who take forensic entomology at Texas A&M are curious about the topic, but forensic students take it because it is a required course. In terms of practicing in the field, most students pursue a graduate degree in entomology, which allows them to be active as I am — as a professor and forensic entomologist. Others may seek employment with crime labs as crime scene investigators.

Some ‘spooky’ arthropods call Texas home

by

Excerpted from an AgriLife Today story by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

The state of Texas is host to some interesting arthropods that are some of the most iconic symbols of Halloween. Our entomologists give some interesting facts about a few of these residents that make the Lone Star State their home.

Tarantulas — More hairy than scary

Tarantula on hand
Tarantulas are actually very docile. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

Extension entomologist and long-time tarantula enthusiast Molly Keck said while tarantulas are large and eerie looking, they are actually very docile and rarely bite.

“The exceptions are when they paralyze their prey to eat it — or they may bite if threatened,” she said. “But though their venom can paralyze an insect or very small animal, it rarely causes a severe reaction in humans.”

Keck said when in danger some species of tarantula can rapidly dislodge prickly hairs from the top of their abdomen with their hind legs, and these hairs irritate the eyes or skin of the attacker.

“But tarantulas, like most spiders, are beneficial predators that feed on other insects,” she said. “Some species even make good pets. But native species, like the Texas tan, are short-lived in captivity. Generally, however, tarantulas are low-maintenance and make good starter pets.”

Black Widows — They’re not [really] that bad

Black widow on web
Black widows are known for the distinctive hourglass shape on their undersides. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

Texas is also home to another arachnid often associated with Halloween– the black widow spider.

“This spider is most commonly identified by the red hourglass-shaped mark on its underside,” said Wizzie Brown, an AgriLife Extension entomologist that serves the Travis County. “But even though its venom is highly virulent, the spider itself is very timid. Even if disturbed while it’s in its web, it tries to escape rather than attack.”

She said Texas has southern black widows, northern black widows, western black widows, and brown widows, but the brown widows are not native to the state.

Black widows can be found year-round in buildings and sheltered areas such as sheds, garages, attics and crawl spaces, she said.

“Contrary to popular belief, female black widows do not usually eat males unless they are kept together in confined spaces where the male cannot escape,” Brown said.

However, she noted, their scary reputation is at least partly deserved because the venom from the black widow is a neurotoxin that can cause anything from elevated temperature, nausea and sweating to a painful cramping and constriction of the abdominal muscles and the chest, and even death.

“Death from a black widow bite occurs very rarely, and it is more likely to happen if the person bitten is either very young or elderly,” she said. But no matter your age, it’s important to seek medical attention if bitten by a black widow.”

Daddy longlegs — Just don’t call me ‘spidey’

A group of daddy longlegs on a karst feature. The daddy longlegs, however, is usually a solitary creature. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
A group of daddy longlegs on a karst feature. The daddy longlegs, however, is usually a solitary creature. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

Daddy longlegs are not spiders, but arachnids more closely related to scorpions. They belong to a unique order called Opiliones, or harvestmen.

“While both daddy longlegs and spiders have eight legs, they are easy to tell apart,” said AgriLife extension entomologist Dr. Mike Merchant. “Spiders have a two-part body, while daddy long-legs have a single, fused body. And unlike spiders, daddy longlegs do not make silk and can’t spin webs.”

Merchant said contrary to urban legend, daddy longlegs are not dangerous to people because they lack venom glands.

“Harvestmen can be found on every continent except Antarctica and can be found throughout Texas, from the piney woods in the east to the deserts of the western parts of the state,” he said. “They live for about one year and feed on invertebrates and dead plant material.”

Merchant said they are called harvestmen because they are typically seen around harvest time in the late summer and fall.

“They are also called ‘shepherd spiders’ due to the males guarding the females as they lay their eggs,” he noted.

Daddy longlegs are primarily night prowlers and are usually solitary, but at times a large group will amass and form a wicked-looking dark cluster that resembles a beard. However, their most compelling feature is their legs.

“While most harvestmen species have very long legs, there are some short-legged species that closely resemble mites,” Merchant said. “Daddy longlegs have eight long legs — from one to two inches in length — extending from the body. If humans had a similarly proportioned torso, our legs would extend to a span of some 40 to 50 feet.”

He said the legs are very delicate and also serve as a means of protection.

“When a predator takes hold of a leg, it can easily detach and then continues to twitch, which both confuses the predator and gives the daddy longlegs an opportunity to escape,” he said.

Another way they protect themselves is by using their scent glands, which produce a foul-smelling fluid that helps ward off the predator.

“Alone or in clusters, daddy longlegs can look strange or even ominous, but they are completely harmless,” he said.

FACTOID: In frontier days, it was believed daddy longlegs could find lost cattle. If one was picked up by seven of its eight legs, the remaining leg would point in the direction of the missing livestock.

Study abroad trip to Costa Rica leads to new king cricket species discovery

by

Four undergraduate students travelled with Hojun Song, Ph.D., for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica and discovered a new species of king cricket in the process. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)
Four undergraduate students travelled with Hojun Song, Ph.D., for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica and discovered a new species of king cricket in the process. From left to right are: Dr. Hojun Song, Jude Paredes,Jonathan Koehl, Steven Richardson, and Travis Trimm. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)

A group of four Texas A&M Department of Entomology undergraduate students took their knowledge from the classroom and put it to use in discovering a new species of king cricket during a recent study abroad trip to Costa Rica.

Under the guidance of Hojun Song, Ph.D., associate professor for entomology, students Steven Richardson, Travis Trimm, Randell Paredes and Jonathan Koehl described a new species of king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), from the tropical rainforests near the Soltis Center for Research and Education in San Isidro.

A new species of king cricket

The king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), captured in its natural habitat near the Solis Center in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)
The king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), captured in its natural habitat near the Solis Center in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)

Last year, these four students worked with a king cricket species that was very common in the forest floors near the Soltis Center,” Song said. “While working on their project, it became evident that the species, which was so abundant, was actually new to science because we couldn’t identify them down to species.”

The students’ discovery was recorded in the journal Zootaxa in September. The group found the new species while working on a research project about cricket feeding habits during a two-week course titled “Field Entomology in the Tropics” last summer.

The crickets were hand-collected along the trails in the secondary rainforest near the Soltis Center.

Song said the group then brought the cricket specimens back to his lab in College Station, and throughout the fall semester, he taught the students how to properly describe the new species by reviewing taxonomic literature, taking photographs, measuring specimens and illustrating the important features.

The first author of the publication, Richardson, proposed the new species to be named after the Soltis Center. The species name “stephanosoltis” means “the Crown of Soltis” referring to the first king cricket species ever to be described in conjunction with the Soltis Center.

According to the paper, the new species of crickets represents the southernmost distribution of the genus Glaphyrosoma Brunner von Wattenwyl that is widely distributed throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. This new species is distributed throughout the Alajuela Province on the rainforest floor in the northernmost part of Costa Rica.

The students also observed the crickets liked to hide under torn leaves and branches as well as the overhanging soil underside along trails or tunnels made by other burrowing animals. They theorized the species most likely lives underground to avoid desiccation, or extreme dehydration.

The students were able to collect the crickets using oatmeal baits laid out on the forest floor at night. During their study abroad, they found the crickets showed an overwhelming preference for eating the leaves of native plants, but when kept in the cage, they preferred feeding on dead crickets and katydids.

Song said developing awareness about biodiversity is key to conservation, and the students were able to take part in this important endeavor.

“Every day we see habitat destruction and urbanization, which has a profound impact on biodiversity,” he said. “We probably know less than 10% of what is out there, and we’re driving them to extinction without knowing what species are out there. The only way to protect biodiversity is to first know biodiversity. In that regard, describing a new species is a critically important component of biodiversity conservation.”

Study Abroad

Undergrad students with the collected crickets.
The undergraduate students with the new species. From left to right are Jonathan Koehl, Jude Paredes, Steven Richardson, and Travis Trimm. Photo by Hojun Song.

“Study abroad programs are designed to take them out of their comfort zone and expose them to the real world,” Song said. “Once you start looking around, you experience different cultures and ideas and begin to appreciate the diversity. The paper is a direct result of some students taking that leap to experience a completely different environmental setting from Texas and engage in a highly experiential learning experience.”

There are several study programs held at the Soltis Center, but the “Field Entomology in the Tropics” is the only course that actually utilizes the adjacent rainforests as a place for teaching biodiversity, he explained. “There are still many new species to discover right in the backyard of the Soltis Center, and doing that with the students who have taken a study abroad course demonstrates an amazing educational opportunity.”

The discovery of the crickets also showed how important the Soltis Center is in promoting the vision of providing high-impact, international study opportunities to students.

The Soltis Center for Research and Education

The Soltis Center was established in January 2009 as a result of the vision and donation of Bill Soltis ’55 and his wife, Wanda.

The center was created with a vision to provide international experiences for Aggies while protecting the unique ecological setting around the center and creating preservation awareness. The Soltis Center is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, and Song said this new king cricket named after the center shows the students’ appreciation for  Soltis’ vision.

“I really enjoyed my time at the center,” Richardson said. “We were always doing something with collecting, excursions or running our experiment. And when we did have free time, I was out collecting insects anyway. It was an incredible experience, and if I ever got the opportunity to go back for longer, I would.”