Farrell Lab @ Harvard University

Duane McKenna

My research is broadly focused on the evolution of ecological and taxonomic diversity in continental tropical landscapes, with particular emphasis on herbivorous insects (especially beetles).

Ongoing studies explore the ecological and evolutionary radiation of Cephaloleia beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae), the taxonomy of Cephaloleia and other members of the tribe Cephaloleiini, phylogenetics of the beetle subfamily Cassidinae (tortoise beetles), and the phylogeny of beetles. I am especially interested in insect macroevolution in relation to major biotic, climatic, and tectonic events (e.g., the emergence of various pollination syndromes, the Cretaceous-Paleogene bolide impact, the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, Pliocene bridging of the Isthmus of Panama, etc.), and the study of other largely terrestrial evolutionary radiations.

Rio Chucunaque, Darien Province, Panama - photo © Copyright Duane McKenna

Field studies associated with ongoing work are located primarily in lower Mesoamerica. While I continue to work at established field stations run by the Organization for Tropical Studies and the Smithsonian Tropical research Institute, work in recent years has been focused on other, lesser studied, but extensive wet and humid forests in the region, e.g., southeastern Nicaragua, the Rio San Juan region and La Amistad National Park (Costa Rica), and eastern Panama.

Cephaloleia beetles - photos © Copyright Duane McKenna