I am an entomologist with a deep interest in cave biology, invasive species, evolution, ecology, systematics, and biting flies. I am a field-oriented biologist, with research experience on oceanic islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and North America.
As the most isolated group of high islands in the world, the Hawaiian archipelago occupies a very... more As the most isolated group of high islands in the world, the Hawaiian archipelago occupies a very special place in insect conservation: first as a cradle of evolution of a remarkable endemic fauna and second as a prime example of the vulnerability of island environments to anthropogenic changes – especially the effects of alien species. Lessons from both these themes are of global relevance, and the recognition that these same phenomena are occurring in continental systems has been important in maturing attitudes to insect conservation. Mirrored in other parts of the Pacific, such as New Zealand (Watts et al. this volume; Howarth and Ramsay 1991), external disturbances have had massive impacts on the Islands’ biota. These losses – together with the prospect of continuing severe losses – have contributed to debates over the rationale justifying alien species introductions, including non-native biological control agents. The impacts of introduced control agents are increasingly recognized as an important issue in insect conservation over the last few decades.
The monophyletic genus Solonaima, endemic to northern Queensland, is reviewed and six new species... more The monophyletic genus Solonaima, endemic to northern Queensland, is reviewed and six new species are described: S.sullivani sp.n., S.pholetor sp.n., S.stonei sp.n., S.halos sp.n., S.irvini sp.n. and S. baylissa sp.n. The previously known epigean species, S.solonaima Kirkaldy and S.pallesens (Distant) are illustrated and redescribed. The six new species represent four separate independent cave invasions and nearly double the number of known cavernicolous cixiids in the world. This is the first report of a closely related group of cave‐dwelling Homoptera showing varying degrees of cave adaptation. One facultative cave species, S.sullivani, shows virtually no modification from surface relatives. Two species, S.pholetor and S.stonei, show some eye, colour, and wing‐reduction, but they are still flighted and are considered facultative cave species. S.halos and S. irvini are nearly blind and have reduced, non‐functional wings and are considered obligate cave species. S. baylissa, the most remarkable obligate cave species, is highly modified: eyeless, nearly wingless and colourless. The evolutionary trends displayed in cave adaptation are illustrated and discussed. These include reduction in body colour, eyes and wings, alteration of head and thorax shape, and possibly simplification of the male genitalia. The geology of the caves is complex and ranges from greater than 5‐million‐year‐old caves in Silurian‐aged metamorphosed limestone to 190,000‐year‐old lava tubes. The facultative species are generally found in the most open caves, the two intermediate obligate species are found in deeper caves, and the most highly modified species is restricted to damp cave passages with high CO2 levels. There is no correlation between the ages of the caves and the degree of cave adaptation.
Biological control, the use of living organisms to control pest populations, dates from ancient t... more Biological control, the use of living organisms to control pest populations, dates from ancient times (117, 127). However, 100 years have passed since Albert Koebele intentionally introduced the Australian vedalia lady beetle via New Zealand (6, 86) into California orange groves ...
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the subterranean biome, highlighting terrestrial systems... more Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the subterranean biome, highlighting terrestrial systems and the insects that are obligately adapted to live permanently in underground voids. The most conspicuous aspect displayed by obligate cave arthropods is the reduction of structures normally considered adaptive. Cave species also often lack a circadian rhythm and have relatively low metabolic and reproductive rates. A few characters are often enhanced, including modified structures such as increased hairiness, enlarged sensory organs, longer appendages, and specialized tarsi. Insects, arachnids, and millipedes are the dominant terrestrial groups living in caves. Beetles (Coleoptera), especially the families Carabidae, Leiodidae, and Staphylinidae, are well represented in the temperate caves. Troglobitic species are also found in the orders Diplura, Thysanura, Blattodea, Dermaptera, Grylloblattodea, Psocoptera, and Lepidoptera. Troglobitic bristletails (Diplura) occur mainly in temperate caves. The fantastic adaptations displayed by obligate cave animals have long intrigued biologists. Their often narrow environmental tolerances, coupled with their island-like habitats, have reinforced the view that these animals are fragile, lead an endangered existence, and are in need of conservation. Ecological studies are needed that improve our understanding of the functioning ecosystem, as well as understanding of natural successional processes. However, experimental ecological studies in caves are problematic because in few other habitats are humans so dramatically intruders as in caves.
As the most isolated group of high islands in the world, the Hawaiian archipelago occupies a very... more As the most isolated group of high islands in the world, the Hawaiian archipelago occupies a very special place in insect conservation: first as a cradle of evolution of a remarkable endemic fauna and second as a prime example of the vulnerability of island environments to anthropogenic changes – especially the effects of alien species. Lessons from both these themes are of global relevance, and the recognition that these same phenomena are occurring in continental systems has been important in maturing attitudes to insect conservation. Mirrored in other parts of the Pacific, such as New Zealand (Watts et al. this volume; Howarth and Ramsay 1991), external disturbances have had massive impacts on the Islands’ biota. These losses – together with the prospect of continuing severe losses – have contributed to debates over the rationale justifying alien species introductions, including non-native biological control agents. The impacts of introduced control agents are increasingly recognized as an important issue in insect conservation over the last few decades.
The monophyletic genus Solonaima, endemic to northern Queensland, is reviewed and six new species... more The monophyletic genus Solonaima, endemic to northern Queensland, is reviewed and six new species are described: S.sullivani sp.n., S.pholetor sp.n., S.stonei sp.n., S.halos sp.n., S.irvini sp.n. and S. baylissa sp.n. The previously known epigean species, S.solonaima Kirkaldy and S.pallesens (Distant) are illustrated and redescribed. The six new species represent four separate independent cave invasions and nearly double the number of known cavernicolous cixiids in the world. This is the first report of a closely related group of cave‐dwelling Homoptera showing varying degrees of cave adaptation. One facultative cave species, S.sullivani, shows virtually no modification from surface relatives. Two species, S.pholetor and S.stonei, show some eye, colour, and wing‐reduction, but they are still flighted and are considered facultative cave species. S.halos and S. irvini are nearly blind and have reduced, non‐functional wings and are considered obligate cave species. S. baylissa, the most remarkable obligate cave species, is highly modified: eyeless, nearly wingless and colourless. The evolutionary trends displayed in cave adaptation are illustrated and discussed. These include reduction in body colour, eyes and wings, alteration of head and thorax shape, and possibly simplification of the male genitalia. The geology of the caves is complex and ranges from greater than 5‐million‐year‐old caves in Silurian‐aged metamorphosed limestone to 190,000‐year‐old lava tubes. The facultative species are generally found in the most open caves, the two intermediate obligate species are found in deeper caves, and the most highly modified species is restricted to damp cave passages with high CO2 levels. There is no correlation between the ages of the caves and the degree of cave adaptation.
Biological control, the use of living organisms to control pest populations, dates from ancient t... more Biological control, the use of living organisms to control pest populations, dates from ancient times (117, 127). However, 100 years have passed since Albert Koebele intentionally introduced the Australian vedalia lady beetle via New Zealand (6, 86) into California orange groves ...
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the subterranean biome, highlighting terrestrial systems... more Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the subterranean biome, highlighting terrestrial systems and the insects that are obligately adapted to live permanently in underground voids. The most conspicuous aspect displayed by obligate cave arthropods is the reduction of structures normally considered adaptive. Cave species also often lack a circadian rhythm and have relatively low metabolic and reproductive rates. A few characters are often enhanced, including modified structures such as increased hairiness, enlarged sensory organs, longer appendages, and specialized tarsi. Insects, arachnids, and millipedes are the dominant terrestrial groups living in caves. Beetles (Coleoptera), especially the families Carabidae, Leiodidae, and Staphylinidae, are well represented in the temperate caves. Troglobitic species are also found in the orders Diplura, Thysanura, Blattodea, Dermaptera, Grylloblattodea, Psocoptera, and Lepidoptera. Troglobitic bristletails (Diplura) occur mainly in temperate caves. The fantastic adaptations displayed by obligate cave animals have long intrigued biologists. Their often narrow environmental tolerances, coupled with their island-like habitats, have reinforced the view that these animals are fragile, lead an endangered existence, and are in need of conservation. Ecological studies are needed that improve our understanding of the functioning ecosystem, as well as understanding of natural successional processes. However, experimental ecological studies in caves are problematic because in few other habitats are humans so dramatically intruders as in caves.
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