Wendy Moore, Ph.D.
My research focuses on the carabid beetle subfamily Paussinae. This group contains 750 described species that are distributed in all tropical regions of the world. These beetles are commonly known as bombardiers, due to their ability to explosively discharge defensive chemicals at temperatures up to 100°C! Most paussines are obligate symbionts with ants - a lifestyle that has led to an astounding array of morphological diversity within this group, especially within the tribe Paussini.
My work includes taxonomic revisions, descriptions of larvae, molecular- and morphology-based phylogenetic inference and biogeographic analyses. Although I foresee including other taxa in my research program, paussines will be an ongoing component of my life’s work. Their explosive defensive chemistry, myrmecophilous lifestyle, co-evolution with ants, bizarre morphology, and pan-tropical distribution are all qualities that make them fascinating subjects of study. Throughout my career, I will continue to collaborate with scientists in different disciplines to bring a multidisciplinary approach toward understanding the patterns and processes that have shaped their evolutionary history.
