Benedict Gagliardi Curator

Joined: May 11, 2013 Last Active: Jun 25, 2022 iNaturalist

I'm a general nature nut and have always been interested and eager to become better acquainted with the natural world around me. Toads are my first love, and I enjoy casual bird-watching, but most of my knowledge and experience lies in the realm of insects.

I studied entomology at the University of Connecticut under the guidance of the professor who first piqued my interested in insects, David Wagner. My masters research focused on the biosystematics (life histories, larval morphologies, and stinging capabilities) of smoky moth caterpillars (Lepidoptera:Zygaenidae) from southeastern AZ. I have also done research on the elusive Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius ontario) in Massachusetts which led me to become interested in the concept of false rarity.

I now work at the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab at Rhode Island School of Design.

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