Vegetational surveys and insect trapping techniques will be used to evaluate which plant species and insect taxa are associated with the four treatments. Emphasis is being placed on the Hymenoptera and their forage plants because these plants are the target of herbicide usage and Hymenoptera play beneficial roles in forest pest management and occupy many levels in the food web. Results of the proposed research should lead to specific guidelines for management practices that maximize the biodiversity and abundance of beneficial insects and forage plants that promote productive, sustainable use of north temperate forests. The sites are approximately 80 miles west of the University of Maine in Orono. Sites will be visited every other week throughout the summer.
Housing is provided.
When not in the field, select groups will need to be sorted and identified to family. Identification to the species level will be conducted with the aid of a specialist. This position will focus on the parasitic Ichneumonidae and Braconidae. Field work to be initiated by May 2001, the position to be filled as soon as possible. When completed, the application should be sent to the University of Maine Graduate School.