Robert M. McElderry

PhD May 2015

Department of Biology, University of Miami

     Advisor: Dr. Carol Horvitz

Graduate Program, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

     Advisor: Dr. Joyce Maschinski

 

My research investigates the effects of climate and resource dependence on insect life history, to improve management of declining insect populations.  Life history and sensitivity to change of many endangered insects is not well known, and low population densities limit detailed studies that would provide this information. 

 

The Florida leafwing, Anaea floridalis (Nymphalidae), is restricted to South Florida and now occurs in a single declining population, at a density too low for ecological research.  As a proxy, my research focuses on two common and widespread relatives, A. andria and A. aidea, in Austin, TX. 

 

Integrating mathematical and statistical models with data both from field surveys of butterflies, caterpillars, and their host plants, and from observations of captive insects fed controlled diets; I am evaluating the interactive effects of the environment on leafwing life history, population dynamics, and viability.