Forest Entomology Research at the Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University

Entomological research within the Faculty of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead University has expanded considerably in recent years, broadening its traditional focus on forest pest dynamics to encompass arthropod biodiversity conservation, forest insect ecology, and sustainable forest management. This paper provides a history of entomological research in the Faculty and an overview of ongoing entomological research at Lakehead University, with an emphasis on how forest arthropod communities respond to forest harvesting, herbicide application, forest succession, and other natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The research program comprises five major themes. Theme 1 investigates various arthropod responses to intensive forest biomass harvesting. Theme 2 examines the effects of commercial thinning on ground-dwelling and flying beetle communities in northwestern Ontario. Theme 3 explores the responses of pollinating insects to alternative herbicide treatments in power transmission corridors. Theme 4 presents student-led research examining insect biodiversity in mixedwood stands in northwestern Ontario as part of the Field School. Theme 5 investigates the role of insect biodiversity in fine-wood decomposition in both managed and natural forests. The paper also highlights additional ongoing entomological research and collaborations at both national and international scales.