Insects make up much of the animal life on Earth and understanding why they are so diverse and successful is fundamental to understanding biodiversity. Insects are well known for producing many different chemical compounds that are essential for their communication. Some chemicals allow them to locate mates, others allow them to organize activities within the nest or hive, and many others protect insects from predators. This project is taking the first in-depth look into molecular evolution of one of the most remarkable chemical defense systems found in nature – the explosive, hot spray of the bombardier beetles. This project will test a hypothesis as to how the bombardier evolved this ability. Read more
Current Projects
Projects at Hopland Research and Extension Center
Our work at the University of California’s Hopland Research and Extension Center includes experiments on sampling methods as well as the cataloging insects found there. One study compares the effectiveness of traditional pitfall traps and custom-designed ramp traps. Will Lab also helped to bring about the first annual Hopland Bioblitz event which was attended by over 100 scientists and naturalists from around California and beyond. Read more
Post-fire effects on epigean and deadwood associated insect life history and distribution in Perkins Canyon
A monthly survey insects and spiders in California. The overarching purpose of this effort is to sample arthropods from across the state and more broadly the region for the purpose of taxonomic and ecological studies. Read more
The velvet ants of Mt. Diablo: Mutillidae diversity and natural history
Mutillidae are usually referred to as Velvet Ants because of their hairy, ant-like appearance. They are not ants, but actually solitary parasitic wasps that are mostly nocturnal with some females being active in the last couple hours of daylight. Mutillids tend to occur where hosts dig their nests and are often found in open, dry, sunny, sandy areas. Read more
Monitoring of adult intermittent stream insects in Curry Creek Canyon
California is characterized by a mediterranean climate, in which hot, dry summers, are followed by cool, wet winters. Many mediterranean climate streams have intermittent flows in which the streams dry completely during the summer months and water only appears as isolated pool habitats. Read more
NEON
NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation facility that gathers and synthesizes data on the impacts of climate change, land use change and invasive species on natural resources and biodiversity. Read more