Current Projects

A sampling of projects that are far enough along that I might actually finish them soon.


New species and taxonomic notes on Scolytinae from the southeastern U.S.

As part of the final stages of finishing up the regional monograph of the SE. U.S. I have a species of Hypothenemus and one of Dryocoetoides from Florida that need names. At present it is my intention to place Phloeotribus dentifrons (Blackman 1921) in synonymy with Phloeotribus texanus Schaeffer (1908) and Micracisella opacicollis (LeConte 1878) in synonymy with Micracisella nanula (LeConte 1876). In both cases there is a “northern” and “southern” species, that don’t hold up when a wide range of material is studied.



Bark and Ambrosia Beetles of the southeastern U.S.

Regional monograph of approximately 200 species. See related page.



New species of Neotropical Scolytus with a key to the Mesoamerican species

Until recently I thought that I had 2 undescribed Mesoamerican species. In December, 2008 I had the opportunity to examine the type material of Scolytus nevermanni Schedl 1935 (from Costa Rica) and Scolytus incognitus Eggers 1951 (from Mexico) and realized that they are conspecific with each other and with material of one of my "new species" from Honduras, Belize, and southeastern Mexico. Both were described from short series from specimens in mediocre condition. The other species from southeastern Mexico is new. I also have a new species from Guyana with sufficient material for a good description. A key to the Mesoamerican species will be included as part of an ongoing project on bark and ambrosia beetles of Mexico.



Synopsis of the genus Cactopinus with descriptions of new species.

Wood’s 1982 monograph included 14 species. Later he described 4 additional species. I have sufficient material of 4 new species for description. I also have short series of what I believe are new species but do not wish to describe them from inadequate material. With a few exceptions, most species in this genus have only been collected at or near their type localities. My suspicion is that there are a lot more species out there to be found. I have managed to get SEM photographs of many of the species. As a follow up I would like to work up the phylogeny.