Skip to main content

Ryan Drum

thumbnail
Evaluating the Role of Climate on Midwestern Butterfly Trajectories, Monarch Declines, and the Broader “Insect Apocalypse”
Global concern of an “insect apocalypse” is fueling demand for large-scale, long-term studies of insect population dynamics. Butterflies associated with open habitat, like prairies and grasslands, have long been identified as species of concern in the Midwest. The iconic monarch butterfly, which serves as a flagship for both migration and insect conservation, is one such species of conservation concern and is currently under consideration for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Recent analyses suggest that common, widespread species may also be declining. Yet robust evidence for general declines is patchy and the causes are difficult to discern. Understanding the relative importance of climate, land...
thumbnail
This project will develop a principle method for the estimation of monarch butterfly colony sizes as informed by technological innovations derived from (1) LiDAR, (2) object-driven, quantitative 3D modeling, (3) thermography and associated visualization and analytical capabilities and; establish the foundation of a science communication and public education strategy for USFWS to increase awareness and support for science-based approaches to Monarch conservation.
thumbnail
There are three widely used neonicotinoid seed coat formulations that protect young crop plants (e.g. corn and soybean) against pest herbivory (thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and chlothianidin). These insecticides are systemic, meaning they can be absorbed and distributed throughout the plant. Once seeds germinate, the insecticides are translocated throughout the growing corn plant[6]. When the plant is consumed by herbivorous insects, the insect also consumes and is affected by the toxicity of the insecticide.Not all of the neonicotinoid insecticide remains with the seed or growing corn plant. Owing to their high water solubility, a portion of the insecticide is leached away from the seed reaching groundwater and...
thumbnail
North American Bee Distribution Tool
The North American Bee Distribution Tool is an interactive portal that allows for rapid assessment of apparent bee species richness throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tool incorporates species occurrence data of six families of bees using data provided by GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility, www.gbif.org), as well as conservation status rankings provided by NatureServe (www.natureserve.org). Users can filter from a variety of options, such as temporal range, geographic location (country, state, county, FWS legacy region), NatureServe conservation status, or taxonomic classification (family, genus, species). The tool is comprised of a central map showing spatial distribution of bee species...
ScienceBase brings together the best information it can find about USGS researchers and offices to show connections to publications, projects, and data. We are still working to improve this process and information is by no means complete. If you don't see everything you know is associated with you, a colleague, or your office, please be patient while we work to connect the dots. Feel free to contact sciencebase@usgs.gov.