TEACHING 

Classes
I have developed two new classes since joining UCR, Insect Biodiversity (ENTM 107) and Insect Evolution (ENTM 106) and I am co-teaching (with J. Heraty) a seminar in Systematic Entomology (ENTM 256).

ENTM 106 Insect Evolution 3 Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100/ENTM 100 or consent of instructor. Introduces principles of insect morphology, with emphasis on characters of phylogenetic and adaptive significance and insect evolution. Topics include the comparative anatomy and phylogenic relationships of extinct and living insect groups. Laboratory emphasizes principles of comparative morphology and evolutionarily important character complexes. Sample student projects (Spring 2008): Kissing Bug Snakefly.

ENTM 107 Insect Biodiversity 3 Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100/ENTM 100 or consent of instructor. Lectures introduce the science of insect systematics, stressing diagnostic characters of the major taxa and insect biodiversity. Laboratories focus on developing skills in insect identification to the family level. Click here to see the "Insect Identification Boxes " we use for this class, and here is a True Bug example. Collecting Trip 2009 .

Directed Research for Undergraduate Students
Our lab always needs extra hands for certain projects on assassin bugs (Reduviidae) and plant bugs (Miridae). This might be a great opportunity for you to gain research and hands on experience with the True Bugs!! Contact Christiane for currently available research projects.

Current  projects:
Spring 2009.
8) Systematics of Ulpius Stal, a genus of Harpactorinae from Madagascar. Grace Radabaugh. 

Past projects:
Spring 2007.
1) Description of the Australian plant bug genus Jiwarli. Diane Soto. The manuscript that resulted from this project has been accepted for publication at the American Museum Novitates.
Fall 2007.
2) Collecting data for a molecular phylogeny of Apiomerus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Harpactorinae). Diane Soto.
3) Pretarsal structures in spider-web inhabiting Emesinae or thread-legged bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). Kyle Risser.
Winter 2008.
4) Identification of Emesinae in Southern California and analysis of pretarsal structures. Kyle Risser.
Fall 2008.
5) Molecular work on Californian Triatominae and their trypanosomes. Kyle Risser.
Winter 2009.
6) Morphology of Bat Bugs (Polyctenidae) using macrophotography and SEM techniques. Maria Gutierrez.
7) Biodiversity of Reduviidae in Madagascar. Grace Radabaugh.