Research in Biology

2002 – Optiz and Herman Biological Expedition to Panama

 

Kansas Wesleyan University and American Museum Natural History Biologsts continue insect ecology studies in highlands of Panama.

 

Biologists Weston Optiz(KWU) and Lee Herman (AMNH) recently returned to the cloud forests of Panama to investigate the interrelationships between beetles and cloud forest vegetation. Both scientists are world authorities of their respective insect groups (Opitz, Checkered beetles; Herman, Rove beetles) with common interests in the role that beetles play in the cycle of degradation of plants material of tropical environments.

 

In terms of sheer numbers of kinds, beetles are the most numerous animals on earth with well over 375,000 species. They inhabit nearly every imaginable niche on earth and are particularly diverse in the tropical regions of the world. Beetles eat our carpets, invade our food supply in the cupboards and larder, disturb our picnics, can destory our farm crops, lawns and roses, and audaciously invade our bodies. They can also be the delight of children chasing glimmers in the night or simply capture their developing curiosity by their often curious antics, bizarre body forms, and dazzling color. Beetles have also been used symbolically in human religion. The King James Version of the Bible lists some 120 references to insects and other arthropods. In the Revised English Bible there is at least one reference that most likely refers to a beetle immature, Deuteronomy 28:39, “You will plant vineyards and cultivate them, but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes; for the grub will eat them” Adults and immatures of the beetle family Nitidulidae (sap beetles) are important components in the natural decomposition and fermentation of fruit plants.

 

Opitz’s interest in tropical beetles relates mostly to the roll that checkered beetles play in the intricate cycle of decomposition of wood. Although chereckered beetles are widely known as general predators of lignicolous insects (insects that invade and decompose wood), Opitz has theorized that within the checked beetle family there are certain groups of species that have evolved towards specific assemblage of plant species; i.e. checkered beetle may play a predatory role in specific wood decomposition assemblages of Gymnosperms (e.g. pine) or Angiosperms (e.g. Walnut). The results from his study may have significance to the lumber industry that records an annual loss of more than 2.5 billion board feet of green timber. Several species of checkered beetles are currently being considered as potential biological control agents of bark beetles, including one European ferocious bark beetle destroyer known as Thanasimus formicarius first discovered by Linnaeus in 1758. Roland Gerstmeier, a German Entomologist, and Weston Optiz are currently involved in a joint project that aims to elucidate the classification and biology of checkered beetle of the world.

 

Herman is interested in the species diversity of rove beetles in forest soils. Rove beetles, with about 46,000 species, are found in most parts of the world, live in a wide range of habitats, and are one of the dominant ground living beetles. The fossil record for the family extends back for at least 200 million years. In North America, more than 4,000 species are known. Many rove beetles are the primary predators of insects and other arthropods that decompose tree foilage and other plant material. Herman is intensely interested in the relationship of rove beetles to various tropical habitats. Which species are predators and which are decomposers? Herman has recently published a world catalogue of rove beetles involving seven volumes comprised of more than 4200 pages. Herman’s colleague’s from around the world hail the work as a major contribution to our efforts to know these beetles.

 

Both Opitz and Herman are particularly interested in the highlands of Chiriqui which belong to an extensive Central American mountain chain known as the “Sierra de la Talamanca”. This Panamanian mountain range, that also extends into southeastern Costa Rica, contains an abundance of pristine cloud forests historically known for their high percentage of endemic species. These biologists have visited the Panamanian component of these cloud forests during different times of the year and have gathered fascinating information about beetle biology and cultural folklore. The discovery of new species is an exciting result of their field research. The team now plans to continue the field studies in the highlands of Costa Rica.