Romain Boisseau (centre) with part of the Dami Entomology Team during the stick insect collection trip at Tamabu.
Mr Romain Boisseau, a PhD student from the University of Montana, Missoula, MT USA visited PNGOPRA Entomology Section from 26th October – 17th November 2018 as part of his field studies. He spent 26th October to 17th November 2018 at Dami, West New Britain, and 18th – 26th November 2018 at Higaturu, Northern Province.
His research investigates the role and evolution of sexually dimorphic hind legs of the stick insects, Eurycantha calcarata and Eurycantha insuralis. He aims to determine why the males of these species are almost as big as the females (the males in other species of stick insects are much smaller than the females), and the role of their large hind legs. His study mainly covered video recording of their behaviours, radio tracking of their movements and body parts measurement recording. The studies were done in the nights as stick insects are nocturnal. Eurycantha calcuarata was studied in WNB whilst the study on E. insuralis was done in Northern in their respective native ranges.
Apart from his studies, Mr Boisseau also presented at the in-house morning tea talk at Dami Research Station. The title of his presentation was: “Evolution of exaggerated sexually dimorphic hindlegs in stick insect, Eurycantha calcarata.” The presentation was impressive and the audience enjoyed the talk.
He was able to complete all the activities that he planned to accomplish and returned to the university (Montana, USA) satisfied. The PNGOPRA Entomology staff both at Dami and Higaturu assisted with the work and gained exposure to the technologies he used. He returned with a different perspective of the country (PNG) and pledged to visit again in future if another opportunity arises. The trip was funded by National Geography assistance grant.
