Melody Keena

Title: Research Entomologist
Unit: Ecology and Management of Invasive Species and Forest Ecosystems
Previous Unit: Role of Forest Insect Biology and Biocontrol in Maintaining Forest Health
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-present (Personal capacity)
• Technology Committee, 2005-Present
• Section B Officer, Secretary 2005, Vice Chair 2006, Chair 2007

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. forests. My current research in this area is focused on the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis).
• I also maintain the capability to expand research on and respond rapidly to threats posed by North American and 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 on Asian longhorned beetle produced compounds that may be useful as attractants;
4. Doing collaborative research on potential alternative methods for killing ALB larvae in solid wood packing material; and
5. Doing collaborative research on Asian gypsy moths that will aid in predicting their establishment and spread.
6. 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.

Why is This Important

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 been geared toward providing information and tools for early detection and rapid response. Gypsy moths from Eurasia continue to be introduced into North America and research to provided information needed to reduce the risk of introductions and eradicate detected populations before they establish continues to be critical. 

The Asian longhorned beetle is a pest of poplar plantations and trees used as windbreaks in China, but very little information about this insect was available when it was first found infesting trees in New York City in 1996. No tools existed to effectively detect beetle populations and little data were available in the country of origin on which to base state and federal quarantines or to launch a containment and eradication response. A quick and coordinated response to new infestations of invasive species can significantly reduce environmental and economic impacts, but in order to accomplish this, there is need to develop biological and ecological information and technologies to detect, monitor, contain, and eliminate newly introduced invasive insects that are threats to U.S. forests.

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. Improving knowledge of worldwide diversity of nun moth to improve methodologies for exclusion of this pest,
3. Doing collaborative research on emerald ash borer with other station scientists, and
4. Doing new research on a newly introduced or high risk invasive forest insect.

Featured Publications

Additional Online Publications