Kenneth V. Yeargan
Ph.D., 1974, Entomology, University of California, Davis
The parasitoid Diolcogaster facetosa overcomes the defensive dropping behavior
of a caterpillar by sliding down the caterpillar's thread to oviposit.
My research interests include basic ecological and behavioral studies of arthropod
predators and parasitoids, as well as methods for enhancing naturally occurring biological
control of insect pests. The latter includes potential modifications of crop habitats to
improve natural enemy colonization and reproduction. Groups of carnivorous arthropods
with which I am most familiar are the following: predators - terrestrial Heteroptera
(especially Nabidae, Anthocoridae, certain Geocoridae, and certain Pentatomidae), certain
Coccinellidae (lady beetles), and spiders; parasitoids - selected species of Hymenoptera in
the families Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Scelionidae. In addition to factors affecting
the population dynamics, phenology, and spatial distribution of these groups, I am
interested in behavioral adaptations of predators/parasitoids for capturing prey/hosts and,
conversely, adaptations of herbivores for avoiding capture. During the past decade I have studied the ecology and behavior of bolas spiders, an unusual group which uses aggressive chemical mimicry to attract prey (late-instar and adult female spiders attract certain male moths; young spiders of both sexes and the diminutive adult male bolas spiders attract male psychodid flies). I am collaborating with Dr.
Kenneth F. Haynes in studies of the semiochemicals involved in the bolas spider/moth system (abstract of this research) .
revised: 16 April 2001