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Northern Research Station
11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 557-4017
(610) 557-4132 TTY/TDD

You are here: NRS Home / Scientists & Staff / Melody Keena
Scientists & Staff

[image:] Melody Keena Melody Keena

Title: Research Entomologist
Unit: Ecology and Management of Invasive Species and Forest Ecosystems
Address: Northern Research Station
51 Mill Pond Road
Hamden, CT 06514
Phone: 203-230-4308
E-mail: Contact Melody Keena

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Education

  • Ph.D. Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, CA, December 1988.
  • M.S. Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, CA, March 1985.
  • B.S. Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, CA, June 1983.

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Entomological Society of America, 1984-present

  • Finance Committee, 2002-2007 (Personal capacity)
  • Technology Committee, 2005
  • Section B Officer, Secretary 2005, Vice Chair 2006, Chair 2007
  • Past President of the Integrative Physiological and Molecular Insect Systems section 2008
  • Governing Board Representative for the Integrative Physiological and Molecular Insect Systems section 2009-present
    (Personal capacity)

Current Research

  • I develop biological and ecological information and technologies to detect, monitor, contain, and eliminate newly introduced invasive insects that are threats to U.S.
  • I also maintain the capability to expand research on and respond rapidly to threats posed by Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and nun moth (Lymantria monacha), and other high priority invasive insect species.

My research time is currently divided between:

  1. Completing research on the influence of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) mating behaviors on establishment and viability of ALB populations;
  2. Developing and validating a model of ALB development based on the effects of temperature on development, fecundity, and survival;
  3. Doing collaborative research to develop an ALB trap and lure combination that will be effective for detecting this insect at low population levels;
  4. Doing collaborative research on ALB to determine the role host moisture content (both in living and cut wood) has on its development.
  5. Doing collaborative research to develop an ash free artificial diet for larvae and improve the methods for rearing emerald ash borer (EAB)(Agrilus planipennis) so that large numbers of its parasitoids can be produced for release as biological control agents.
  6. Doing collaborative research on the role that EAB mating behaviors have on fecundity and fertility.
  7. Developing knowledge of the biology of Scymnus camptodromus that will allow it to be reared so that the effectiveness and specificity of this hemlock woolly adelgid predator can be evaluated.
  8. Doing collaborative research on the host range of Scymnus camptodromus to determine if its release would have any un wanted non-target effects.

Why is This Important

With the ever-increasing volume of world trade and travel, the numbers of new introductions of forest insect pests has increased over the last few years. The most effective strategy against invasive species is to prevent them from being introduced and becoming established in new ecosystems. However, there is a significant lack of information needed to identify "high risk" nonnative species and priority pathways of introduction. Many of the species that are introduced may never establish, but those that do may become serious invasive pests due to the absence of natural enemies and host resistance in native species that did not co-evolve with the insect. Once these new pests have established, a quick and coordinated response to new infestations can significantly reduce environmental and economic impacts. In order to deal with these potential or established invasive pests there is a critical need to develop biological and ecological information on which to base exclusion, eradication, or containment decisions.

The Asian longhorned beetle is a native insect of China and little information about this insect was available when it was first found infesting trees in New York City in 1996. Tools to effectively detect beetle populations are still needed and there continues to be a need to increase the knowledge of the life history, ecology, reproductive behavior, and seasonal phenology of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) to provide the biological basis for predicting potential dispersal, developmental phenology, timing of exclusion and eradication methodologies, and development of trapping methods

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a non-native insect from Asia that threatens ash trees in our urban and natural forests. EAB was found in metropolitan Detroit, MI, in July 2002 and continues to spread to additional areas and states. EAB has no known effective natural enemies in North America and control options, other than tree removal, are extremely limited. If left unchecked, the pest will continue to infest and destroy native and ornamental ash trees, resulting in losses of billions of dollars to the lumber and nursery industries as well as urban communities. Without an effective and efficient laboratory rearing method for EAB, mass rearing of parasitoids in numbers needed for field-testing/release will be extremely limited.

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Annand), is an exotic pest native to Asia and western North America. It was first discovered in eastern North America in 1951 near Richmond, VA and has since spread to 17 eastern states threatening two species of hemlock--the eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr., and Carolina hemlock, Tsuga caroliniana Engelm. The HWA has caused extensive mortality and decline of hemlock trees in the eastern U.S. and there are no effective native natural enemies to keep this invasive pest in balance. Thus, establishment of a complex of natural enemies from the native range of HWA offers the greatest potential for providing sustainable long-term control.

The most effective strategy against invasive species is to prevent them from being introduced and becoming established in new ecosystems. But there is a significant lack of information needed to identify "high risk" nonnative species and priority pathways of introduction. The nun moth, Lymantria monacha, is closely related to gypsy moth and is considered to have high potential to be introduced into this country via commerce. Research and technology development on nun moth has provided information and tools for early detection and rapid response. Gypsy moths from Eurasia continue to be introduced into North America and research provides information needed to reduce the risk of introductions and eradicate detected populations before they establish.

Future Research

Future research may include:

  1. Evaluating the susceptibility of nun moth to Entomophaga maimaiga and to specific parasitoids already established in the U.S.
  2. Doing new research on a newly introduced or high risk invasive forest insect.

Featured Publications

Additional Online Publications

Last Modified: 02/15/2012