The Population and Community Ecology (PACE) Lab is overseen by Dr. Michael J. Dreslik. The two main programs of the lab are the Urban Biotic Assessment Program (UBAP), which provides environmental expertise to the Illinois Tollway, and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) program.
PACE Lab News
The Search for Flying Dragons on the Prairie
The Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana), a dark bodied dragonfly with bright green eyes, is a federally endangered species that lives in spring fed marshes and sedge meadows. The biggest threat to the species is habitat loss and currently the only known populations are in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Hine’s Emerald Dragonflies spend most …
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Rusty Patched Bumblebee
While conducting surveys today in DuPage County, INHS entomologist Jason Robinson and his assistant Maria Repisak came across Rusty Patched Bumblebees at two sites! This species was recently added to the US Endangered Species List because of its drastic decline across its range. For more information on the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, visit the USFWS …
Snake Hydration Video Goes Viral
Herpetological Field Assistant Taylor West came across a Western Hognose Snake last week while surveying sand prairies. Given the hot temperatures, she and fellow field assistant Tristan Schramer offered the snake some water. Video of the encounter has been shared over 10,000 times! Read more about the experience at Living Alongside Wildlife Follow Taylor on …