Zhengyang Wang Thesis Defense (Naomi Pierce, Advisor)

Date: 

Friday, April 22, 2022, 12:00pm

Title: Insect Conservation

Abstract: Part 1: Endangered Butterflies and Where to Find Them. I uncover the life-history and movement ecology of three genera of highly endangered butterflies.

Part II: Scaling a Mountain. I study the biology behind caterpillar fungus, a widely collected insect-fungi symbiont whose per kilo price once reached higher than that of gold.

Part III: The Net. I investigate insect public perception, and the global trade of dead butterflies (as collectibles) and live ants (as pets).

Committee: Naomi Pierce (Advisor), Kamal Bawa (UMass Boston), Brian Farrell, David Haig