Current Projects

Bombardier beetle research and public information projects

Brian Bombardier Beetles, Current Projects
Bombardier beetle research and public information projects

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

Projects at Hopland Research and Extension Center

Brian 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

The velvet ants of Mt. Diablo: Mutillidae diversity and natural history

Brian Current Projects, Undergraduate Research at Mt. Diablo
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