Citizen Scientists Wanted

The Soil Insect Ecology lab at NYSAES is looking for volunteers to assist in a project monitoring the expansion of invasive crane flies in NYS. The goal is to utilize a network of citizen scientists to help survey, detect and monitor the expansion of these insects in the state. Of particular interest are the following counties: Chautauqua, Niagara, Erie, Monroe, Ontario, Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Jefferson, Oswego, Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Saratoga, Warren, Fulton, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, and Nassau.

Participants would be asked to go out to areas of turf grass, such as home lawns, city parks, or sports fields, and, if present, collect a few specimens to be sent in for identification. No prior knowledge of these insects is required, and we will provide more detailed instructions to participants at a later date. This scouting activity would occur at the most two or three times a week over a two week period in September.

For more information contact Dr. Matthew Petersen mjp266@cornell.edu or Debra Marvin dem35@cornell.edu.