Joseph V. McHugh

The research in my lab is focused on the systematics of Coleoptera, especially members of the superfamilies Cucujoidea (25 families) and Coccinelloidea (15 families), which together comprise over 19,000 described species representing a tremendous range of anatomical and biological diversity. Although these groups include some families with large and conspicuous species (e.g., Erotylidae, Endomychidae) and predatory species of great biocontrol significance (e.g., Coccinellidae), many of the constituent families are composed of tiny, drably colored beetle species that live cryptic lifestyles. Historically, the humble attributes of these taxa drew less attention, leaving their taxonomy in poor condition and many gaps in our knowledge of their natural history. Recently we have focused our studies also on Neotropical members of the elateroid family Lampyridae (a.k.a. fireflies, glow worms, lightning bugs).