Matthew Van Dam

Graduate Student

Research Description

I am interested in the biogeography of dune endemic insects in desert regions of North America. I hope to use comparative phylogeographic methods to understand the relationships of these areas. My focal taxa include the giant flower-loving flies Rhaphiomidas (Mydidae), sand-treader crickets Macrobaenetes/Ammobaenetes and sand dune weevils Trigonoscuta. I also have a keen interest in the biogeography of Mexico..