Insect and Nematode Ecology, Behavior and Spatial Dynamics

The MSU Department of Entomology is internationally recognized for its expertise in basic and applied insect and nematode ecology in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Programs range from insect-nematode behavior and evolution to ecosystem management, and vary in scale from local to regional in scope. Prominent themes include insect-nematode dispersion, habitat conservation, landscape management, bio-monitoring, non-target issues and trophic interactions.

Faculty and Staff

George Bird
Professor Emeritus
Rufus Isaacs
Associate Professor
Stuart Gage
Professor
Douglas Landis
Professor
Michael Kaufman
Academic Specialist
Deborah McCullough
Professor
Richard Merritt
Professor
James Miller
Professor
Mark Scriber
Professor
Zsofia Szendrei
Assistant Professor


1. Nematology Laboratory
Contact:
George Bird.

The G.W. Bird Laboratory is part of the Nematology Program at Michigan State University. The lab’s web site is used to present a database for potato cultivars that are resistant to nematodes, a history of nematology, and a history of soybean cyst nematode in Michigan.

2. Acoustical Bio-Monitoring.
Web site: Environmental Acoustic Measurements
Contact:
Stuart Gage

Environmental monitoring implies the systematic observation of environmental processes. At the Computational Ecology and Visualization Laboratory (CEVL), Gage’s group is developing remote monitoring systems to characterize ecosystems. Special focus is put on the measurement and interpretation of the temporal dynamics of ecosystem acoustics.

3. Insects and Landscape Ecology.
Web site: Landis Lab - Insect and Landscape Ecology
Contact: Doug Landis


The lab focuses on the ecology, conservation and management of insects in landscapes containing both natural and managed ecosystems. Research themes include; understanding the influence of landscape structure on insect ecology, design of sustainable landscapes to promote ecosystem services, invasive species ecology and management, and conservation/restoration of rare species and communities.