Joseph D. Culin, Professor, Department Chair, Entomology at Clemson University Department of Entomology, Soils, & Plant Sciences

Joseph D. Culin, Jr.

Professor / CAFLS Associate Dean for Research

Office: 101 Barre Hall
Lab: Cherry Farm Insectory

Telephone
Office: 864-656-2810
Lab: 864-656-5071
FAX: 864-656-1286

Academic Background

Ph.D. Entomology 1981 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
M.S. Entomology, Applied Ecology 1977 University of Delaware Newark, DE
B.A. Biology 1975 Eastern College St. Davids, PA

Research Program

I currently have a research associate and three graduate students working on biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelgis tsugae. In our insectary, we are mass producing Sasajiscymnus tsugae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and working on techniques for mass production of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae). S. tsugae adults were released on national forest lands in SC, NC, and GA in 2004 for HWA biological control. In addition, we are examining: 1) differences in host plant chemistry between eastern and Carolina hemlocks; 2) effects on S. tsugae life cycles and reproductive rates when feeding on HWA on either eastern or Carolina hemlock; and 3) comparisons of HWA infestation levels and impacts on tree health between eastern and Carolina hemlock in natural stands.

Joseph Culin with children in the clemson University Butterfly Garden

Outreach

The Schoolyard Ecology Program, a component of the SCLIFE Programat Clemson University is assisting K-12 teachers in developing outdoor classroom facilities on their school properties. A major component of this program is directed toward development and use of butterfly gardens, but other types of outdoor classrooms are also being developed at schools across SC. Information can be found at either
SC Butterfly Project or http://www.clemson.edu/SCLIFE/ (under the Schoolyard Ecology Program).

Teaching Activities

Insect Biology and Diversity, Selected Topics in Entomology, and Entomology for Teachers.

Publications

Culin, J.D. & M. W. Robertson. 2003. Spider prey of Trypoxylon lactitarse Saussure (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) . Journal of Entomological Science 38: 321-333.
Reid, L.S. & J.D. Culin. 2002. Effects of color pattern arrangement and size of color mass on butterfly visitation in Zinnia elegans. Journal of Entomological Science 37: 317-328.
Culin, J. D. (2002). Butterflies are great teachers: The South Carolina Butterfly Project. American Entomologist 48:14-18.
Culin, J. D. 1997. Relationship of butterfly visitation with nectar qualities and flower color in butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii. News of the Lepidopterists' Society 39(3): 35-38.

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