Assistant needed for butterfly ecology study, French Guiana, Jan.-Apr. 2012
Volunteer assistant needed for butterfly ecology study, French Guiana
(Guyane), January =96 April 2012.
In 2012 I plan a trip to French Guyana to investigate patterns in butterfly
abundance, distribution, and niche breadth. To gather butterfly abundance
data, butterflies are trapped with baited traps (Biblidinae, Charaxinae, *
Adelpha*) or collected with a hand net (Ithomiini). To measure niche
breadth, ecological variables related mainly to vegetation structure will be
recorded for fixed plots and along transects. An additional component of
butterfly niche, breadth of local host-plant utilization, will be measured.
Potential host plants (Solanaceae) will be searched along transects and in
fixed plots, and all eggs and larvae (Ithomiini) will be collected and
reared to adulthood for identification in the field laboratory.
The assistant will help with the baiting and emptying of butterfly bait
traps, photographing butterfly specimens, and data entry, but most duties
will involve the rearing component of the study. These duties will include,
but are not limited to: searching potential host plants for butterfly eggs
and larvae, maintaining a large number of sleeves/plastic bags for rearing
larvae, replacing host plants in the rearing laboratory as needed,
photographing, collecting, and drying host plant voucher specimens.
Conditions in the field are often difficult: accommodations are primitive,
and hours in the field are long with often harsh weather (very hot, humid,
sudden rainstorms). Biting insects are usually not a problem, but can be
annoying in certain conditions.
This is an ideal position for someone looking for practical experience in
tropical field ecology, butterfly biology/natural history, identification,
etc. The position is not funded, so the assistant would have to provide
their own support (international airfare to French Guyana, no more than
US$30 per day for lodging and food).
Please direct any inquiries to Geoff Gallice:
ggallice@ufl.edu
To apply, please send a brief cover letter, along with a CV to
ggallice@ufl.edu