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Research News

Lepidoptera

Akito Kawahara stands smiling in front of some green foliage.

Hires & Promotions

Akito Kawahara named director of McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity

August 17, 2023

The Florida Museum of Natural History has named Akito Kawahara as the new director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera…Read More

Yellow orange and black butterfly specimen set again a line illustration of the tree of life

Evolution

Butterfly tree of life reveals an origin in North America

May 15, 2023

About 100 million years ago, a group of trendsetting moths started flying during the day rather than at night, taking…Read More

Butterfly perched on bamboo leaf

Life on Earth

Family tree of ‘boring’ butterflies shows they’re anything but

April 12, 2023

Walk a short distance through the Amazon Rainforest, and you might witness what look like dead leaves launch from the…Read More

test

Evolution

What is it good for? Absolutely one thing. Luna moths use their tails solely for bat evasion

April 10, 2023

In a pair of complementary studies, researchers take a close look at Luna moth (Actias luna) tails through the eyes…Read More

illustration of an agave plant with broad leaves growing from a central point close to the ground. Leaves are wide with large thorns at the point and along the edges.

Life on Earth

Scientists uncover the unexpected identity of mezcal worms

March 8, 2023

Mezcal is a distilled alcohol made from the boiled and fermented sap of agave plants. Most mezcal beverages — including…Read More

Person stands next to a table stacked with boxes of butterfly specimens one hand resting on the glass of lid of a box. Behind him are rows of shelves with more specimen drawers

Collections

Endowment brings influx of expertise to the McGuire Center

February 15, 2023

Early in 2022, the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity launched its first travel award program for visiting researchers. A…Read More

Close up of butterfly wings showing scales and patterns

Life on Earth

Rare and iconic Atala butterflies retain ancient pattern of wing symmetry

November 1, 2022

Nature seems to have an inexhaustible supply of inspiration when it comes to butterflies. With over 18,000 species, each with…Read More

Caterpillar eating its way through a plant stem

Life on Earth

Tracking the origin of southern California’s latest invasive pest

September 22, 2022

In 2012, a crop of California’s most prized ornamental trees was overrun by an invisible invader. The growing shoots of…Read More

Photograph of a green moth perched on wood

Evolution

Moths enlist additional troops in an evolutionary arms race

July 21, 2022

While a clear night sky might seem quiet and peaceful to us, empty of everything but stars, this nocturnal world…Read More

Photograph of moth

Evolution

New hawk moth species are among the smallest ever discovered

July 11, 2022

Hawk moths are known for being some of the largest night fliers in the insect world. With wingspans of more…Read More

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Contact Info

Florida Museum of Natural History
Gainesville, FL 32611

Media inquiries:
Jerald Pinson, Science Writer

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