ongoing research

Biodiversity surveys are crucial for understanding ecosystem organisms, recording species abundance and diversity to guide conservation efforts. Traditional visual methods can be biased, leading to the development of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance. Recent research highlights dung beetles as effective invertebrate DNA (iDNA) samplers, offering improved monitoring of terrestrial fauna.

Eastern Subterranean termites, significant pests in North America, exhibit behaviors to manage dead nestmates, crucial for colony health. They utilize cannibalism and burial to recycle nutrients and prevent disease. Research shows workers respond to chemical cues upon death, indicating the importance of understanding these behaviors for potential pest control strategies.