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CMSC Museum

Collections-based Research

Mr. Hanley's research involves faunal studies of North Dakota and Great Plains coleoptera. So what does this mean?? Most of his work is done collecting new specimens and comparing them to various museum collections throughout the state in order to gain an understanding of what beetles currently call North Dakota home. The final products from his research are field guides that can be used by both professionals and non-entomologists to identify different species. For example, up until 2005 there were a total of 78 known species of cerambycids, or longhorn beetles, on record as having been found in North Dakota. Guy's new cerambycid guide has increased the known species count to 87, with two more species discovered since the publication of his guide in June 2005. The images below represent some of the species new to North Dakota.

One problem with producing publications is acquiring high quaility images that can be used in print form to identify particular species. Insects, especially small forms, are difficult to photograph clearly because of focal issues. The depth of field at high magnification can be less than a millimeter. This together with a three dimensional object being photographed can lead to blurry imaging in some part of the insect. These images were taken with a Cannon 10D digital SLR with a 100mm macro lens. Sharp imaging throughout the depth of the insect was achieved on a modified copy stand with a strong external flash system and a high F-stop setting on the camera.

Oeme rigida

Neoclytus approximatus

Strangalia famelica