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Curriculum vitae

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Entomology) - University of Minnesota, St. Paul, March 1988.  Dissertation title: “An overview of slug caterpillar moths (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) with emphasis on genera in the New World Parasa Group”
• Master of Science (Entomology) - University of Minnesota, St. Paul, August 1982. Thesis title: “Habitat and seasonal comparisons of ground beetles (Carabidae)” .
• Bachelor of Science (Entomology & Zoology) - Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, May 1977.

Research and Employment

• Present—Senior Insect Biosystematist, CDFA; 2003-2005--Associate Insect Biosystematist, CDFA: identification of Lepidoptera immatures and adults of potential economic importance; research on Lepidoptera, including Limacodidae and other families of economic concern.

Current projects:

• morphometrics of Epiphyas postvittana caterpillars; Limacodidae of Costa Rica (with D. Janzen and INBio); Zygaenoidea twig leader (Lepidoptera ATOL); ecology of limacodid caterpillars (with John Lill); 25 year comparison of carabid beetles in south-central Minnesota (with Kamal Gandhi); Lepidoptera subject editor, Pan-Pacific Entomology.
• 2006-present--Affiliate, Dept. of Entomology, U.C. Davis.
• 2003-present—Research Associate, Dept. of Entomology, NMNH, Smithsonian Institution.
• 1997-2003--Museum Specialist and Unit Manager, Smithsonian Institution (includes Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Arachnida);
• (1997-2002) supervised five people in collection management; research on Lepidoptera includes publications on Zygaenoidea (Handbook of Zoology), Costa Rican Limacodidae, evolution of larval locomotion and biology of Dalceridae; acquisition of Peck, Robert, Reichert, Kinyon and Fales collections  (@ 100,000 specimens).

• 1992-1996 Museum Specialist, Smithsonian Institution; collection management and curation of Heteroptera;  research on Lepidoptera, including completion of "Revision and Phylogeny of the Limacodid-Group Families, with Evolutionary Studies on Slug Caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea)" and preparation of “A Guide to the Limacodidae of Costa Rica;” sorting Lepidoptera to families at the Museum Support Center.
• 1988-1991 Postdoctoral Fellow, Smithsonian Institution; phylogenetics of limacodid group families (Lepidoptera) using morphological characters from both immature and adult stages; evolution and functional morphology of locomotion, cocoon construction and other behaviors; ontogeny of immature stages in the phylogeny of the limacodid group and ditrysian Lepidoptera; researched the identity of over 300 species for the “The Atlas of Neotropical Limacodidae"; led three expeditions to the Llanos of Venezuela and visited Pakitza, Peru with the BIOLAT program.
• 1990 (3 mos.) Research Associate, University of Maryland, Center for Agricultural Biotechnology; development of the chorion in ditrysian Lepidoptera.
• 1987 (5 mos.) APHIS (USDA), Minnesota Exotic Pest Survey: monitered for species of exotic Lepidoptera with pheromone traps, identified non target species related to or similar to exotics (Noctuoidea & Tortricoidea).
• 1984 (2 mos.) Smithsonian Institution; expedition to New Caledonia: collected and prepared several thousand Lepidoptera from UV and malaise traps.
• 1983 (6 mos.) University of Minnesota Extension Entomology: monitered populations of ash borers (Lepid.: Sesiidae) and pesticide trials on hackberry galls (Homoptera: Psyllidae) with M. E. Ascerno.
• 1982-83 Research Assistant, University of Minnesota: a study on coincident population fluctuations in Lepidoptera with W. E. Miller. Funded by Can. & U.S. Spruce Budworm Program.
• 1980-82 University of Minnesota: M.S. research on carabid ecology, supervised three work study students in sorting and preparation of specimens.
• 1978 (6 mos.) Research Entomologist, Colorado Natural Areas Program (Dept. of Natural Resources): surveyed threatened butterfly and lampyrid species.
• 1972-78 Denver Museum of Natural History: curated Mason Butterfly Collection, collected and prepared Colorado butterflies; butterfly phenology.

Refereed Publications

1. Nagamine, W. & M.E. Epstein. 2007. The chronicles of Darna pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): biology and larval morphology of a new pest in Hawaii. Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 83(2): 16 pp.
2. Stüning, D., U. Buchsbaum, & M.E. Epstein. 2006. Amerikanische Limacodidae in Deutschland. Entomologische Zeitschrift – Stuttgart. 116(3): 135-138.
3. Epstein, M.E. & J.F. Corrales. 2004. Twenty-five new species of Costa Rican Limacodidae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea). Zootaxa. 701: 1-86.
4. Brown, J.W., M.E. Epstein, & E.R. Day. 2004. First report of Pryeria sinica Moore (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) in North America. Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington. 106:239-242.
5. Corrales, J.F. & M.E. Epstein. 2003. Revision of the Natada fusca complex and description of six new Neotropical species (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). Rev. Biol. Trop. 51:445-462.
6. Scheer, J., M. Epstein, & J. Drucker. 2003. Night Visions: The Secret Designs of Moths. Prestel Verlag. Munich. 119 pages.
7. Epstein, M.E. & J.W. Brown. 2003. The early stages of the enigmatic Prodidactis mystica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Prodidactidae) with comments on its new familial assignment. Zootaxa. 247:1-16.
8. Epstein, M.E. 2002. Review of “Forest Moths,” by K.A. Efetov and G.M. Tarmann, Apollo Books. J. Lep. Soc.
9. Deml, R. & M.E. Epstein. 2001. Hydroquinone and other secondary compounds in hairs of fire caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae). Entomologia generalis. 25(2): 131-134.
10. Deml, R. & M.E. Epstein. 2001. Illustration of a caterpillar of Megalopyginae (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae) whose hairs contain antiseptic compounds. Nachr. Entomolo. Ver. Apollo, N.F. 22 (3): 187-189.
11. Corrales, J.F. & M.E. Epstein. 2000. New species in the New World Natada complex (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). Rev. Biol. Trop. 48:591-604.
12. Epstein, M.E., Geertsema, H., Naumann, C.M. & G.M. Tarmann. 1998. The Zygaenoidea, pp 159-180, In Handbuch der Zoologie, a Natural History of the Phyla of the Animal Kingdom, Vol. IV, Arthropoda: Insecta, Part 35, Lepidoptera, Moths and Butterflies, Vol. 1: Evolution, Systematics, and Biogeography, ed. Niels P. Kristensen. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin and New York.
13. Nelson, S.M. & M.E. Epstein. 1998. Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Superfamilies Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of Roxborough State Park, Colorado: baseline inventory, community attributes, and monitoring plan. Environmental Mgt. 22:287-295.
14. Epstein, M.E. 1997. Biology of Dalcerides ingenita (Hy. Edwards)(Lepidoptera: Dalceridae). Tropical Lepidoptera, 8:48-59. 1997.
15. Epstein, M.E. Parasa indetermina (Boisduval)(Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): a new host for Systropus macer Loew (Diptera: Bombyliidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 99:585-586.. 1995 (1997).
16. Epstein, M.E. 1995 [1997] Locomotion and its evolution in caterpillars with a slug-like ventrum (The Limacodid Group: Zygaenoidea). J. Res. Lep. 34:14-20.
17. Corrales, J.F. & M.E. Epstein. 1997. Review of Costa Rican Venadicodia Dyar, with descriptions of two new species and localities for V. ruthea Dyar (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). Rev. Biologia Tropical. 45:1093-1105.
18. Epstein, M.E. 1996. Revision and phylogeny of the limacodid group families, with evolutionary studies on slug caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea) Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. Number 582, 102 pages, 409 figures.
19. Epstein, M.E. 1996. A new name and generic placement for the misidentified type species of Epiclea Dyar, 1905 (Lepidopetera, Limacodidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 98:812-817.
20. Epstein, M.E. 1995. False parasitized cocoons and the biology of Aididae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 97:750 756.
21. Becker, V. O. & M. E. Epstein. 1995. Limacodidae. in J. B. Heppner (ed.), The Atlas of Neotropical Lepidoptera. Checklist: Part II. 3:128 133.
22. Epstein, M.E., Smedley, S., and T. Eisner. 1994. Sticky integumental coating of a dalcerid caterpillar: a deterrent to ants. Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society. 48:381 386.
23. Epstein, M. E. & V. O. Becker. 1994. Combinations and Synonymies in NewWorld Limacodidae, Megalopygidae, Lasiocampidae and Arctiidae (Lepidoptera). Revista brasileira de Zoologia. 10:289 319. (1993)
24. Epstein, M. E. & P. M. Henson. 1992. Digging for Dyar (1866 1929): the Man Behind the Myth. American Entomologist. 38:148 169.
25. Epstein, M. E. & S.E. Miller. 1990. Systematics of the West Indian moth genus Heuretes (Lepidoptera:Limacodidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 92:705 715.
26. Epstein, M. E. & H. M. Kulman. 1990. Ecological and seasonal distribution of carabid beetles in east central Minnesota. Amer. Midl. Nat. 123:209 225.
27. Epstein, M.E. 1989. Review of “Slug and Nettle Caterpillars: the Biology, Taxonomy and Control of the Limacodidae of Economic Importance on Palms in South east Asia,” edited by M. J. W. Cock et al., CAB. J. Lep. Soc. 43:252 253.
28. Scott, J. A. & M. E. Epstein. 1987. Factors affecting phenology in a temperate insect community. Amer. Midl. Nat. 117:103 118.
29. Epstein, M. E. 1987. Mating behavior of Acraea andromacha andromacha (Fabricius) (Nymphalidae) in New Caledonia. J. Lep. Soc. 41:119 121.
30. Miller, W. E. & M. E. Epstein. 1985. Synchronous population fluctuations among moth species. Environ. Entomol. 15:443 447.
31. Epstein, M. E. & H. M. Kulman. 1984. Effects of aprons on pitfall trap catches of carabid beetles in forests and fields. Great Lakes Entomol. 17:215 221.

Grants & Awards

NSF as biosystematist collaborator

• Ecology of limacodid caterpillars, 2007--
• Lepidoptera Tree of Life (Twig coordinator for Zygaenoidea), 2006--
• Ecuador Project – BSI (Biotic Systems & Inventories (L. Dyer, PI), 2005--
• ACG Project – BSI (D.H. Janzen, PI), Santa Rosa, Costa Rica, 1990’s--
• ALAS Project – BSI (J. Longino, PI), La Selva, Costa Rica, 2000-2005
• Rockefeller Foundation Grant, Alfred University (2001-2003)

  Smithsonian Institution

• Scholarly Leadership Program (1996)
• Cash Awards for Job Performance Excellence (1996-2000)
• Postdoctoral Fellow (1990 91)
• Postdoctoral Fellow (Sept. 1988 89), Short term Visitor’s Program (1985)

  University of Maryland, College Park, Center for Agricultural Biotechnology

• Postdoctoral Fellow (summer 1990)
• University of Minnesota Graduate School Doctoral Dissertation Special Grant (1986):
• 10 week visit to Smithsonian Institution Anderson Fellowship (1986):
• 5 week visit to British Museum of Natural History Dayton Natural History Fellowship (1985)
• Society of Sigma Xi, Grant in aid of Research (1985)

Presentations

• 2006 – Entomological Society of America: Limacodidae on the ALAS transect, ALAS Symposium and (with Shen-Horn Yen) Genitalia Homology of Zygaenoidea, Lepidoptera Tree of Life Symposium
• 2005 -- Slug Caterpillars of Costa Rica and Beyond. Plant Pest Diagnostics Seminar series, Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, Manoa
• 2003-2004 -- ACG Limacodid Caterpillars: Clades and Accumulation Curves. ACG caterpillar workshop (Santa Rosa, Costa Rica), Pacific Coast Entomology Club (California Academy of Science).
• 1999-2003 -- Video on Caterpillar Ontogeny and Behavior of the Limacodid-Group Families (Zygaenoidea). North Carolina Entomological Society Banquet, Washington Area Butterfly Club, Entomological Society of America, Atlanta, Georgia and Lepidopterists' Society, Wake Forest University, North Carolina.
• 1999 -- “Phylogeny, Homology and Biology of Jelly Caterpillars (Zygaenoidea: Dalceridae).” Maryland Entomology Society, Lepidopteras’ Society, Sierra Vista, Arizona..
• 1997 -- “Parasa Moore: About Names and New Species of Limacodidae.” Annual meeting of the Lepidopterists’ Society, New Haven, CT.
• 1996 -- “Recent Advances in the Zygaenoidea” (with H. Geertsema, S. Miller, C. Naumann, and A. Zilli) and “History of Entomology at the Smithsonian: 1900-present.” International Congress of Entomology, Florence Italy.
• 1995 “Evolution of Larval Locomotion in the Limacodid Group.” Annual meeting of the Lepidopterists’ Society, Minneapolis, MN (Program symposium: Biology of Caterpillars).
• 1992-1993 “Dyar and His Pets: the Limacodidae.” Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; Dept. Entomology, U. Minnesota.
• 1992 “The Influence of Darwin on the Classification of Lepidoptera in the Latter Part of the 19th Century.” National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Baltimore (Program symposium: Darwin’s influence on Entomology).
• 1991-1998 “Digging for Dyar: the Man Behind the Myth” (with Pamela Henson). Smithsonian Castle Docents; National Museum of Natural History noontime public lecture series in Baird Auditorium and for the Resident Associates Program; Annual Banquet of the Entomological Society of Washington, College Park, MD; Banquet for the annual meeting of the Lepidopterists’ Society, East Lansing, Michigan; Research in progress lecture series, Smithsonian Inst. Archives.
• 1990, 1991 “Evolution of Larval Locomotion and Other Behaviors in Limacodidae and Related Families (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea).” National meetings of the Entomological Society of America in Reno, Nevada (Program symposium: use of video in Entomology) and in New Orleans, Louisiana (Section A symposium: immature insects).

Public Outreach

• 2004 --NPR interview on “Fresh Air” with Teri Gross about the book “Night Visions: The Secret Designs of Moths.
• 1999-2000, 1995 video on caterpillars for “Bugfest,” a public outreach day at the Smithsonian Institution sponsored by the Department of Entomology, Systematic Entomology Laboratory and the Insect Zoo.
• 1998-1999 -- Moths and Butterflies at University Park Elementary School, Maryland.
• 1998 -- Career Day, Seabrook Elementary School, Maryland

Entomological Organizations

• Entomological Society of America, Entomology Collections Network, Lepidopterists’ Society, Entomological Society of Washington, Lepidoptera Research Foundation, Maryland Entomological Society, Pacific Coast Entomology Club