Giant silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are among the largest, most charismatic, and well known of the North American Lepidoptera. Some populations are currently in decline, with a number of causes under debate. One recent explanation that is gaining support is the non-target effects of non-native species introduced for biological control. We will conduct field experiments to: 1) document the occurrence and extent of parasitism and mortality due to introduced biological control agents on native silk moth species, and 2) investigate differences in parasitism and mortality rates between urban, agricultural, and natural environments.

Requirements: No experience necessary, but knowledge of insect rearing and identification a plus.

Time Commitment: 10-20hrs/wk