Education
Ph.D. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2000
B.Sc The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 1994
Research Description:
My research interests center on the systematics, integrative-taxonomy and natural history of insects. I use a broad range of data types (morphology, DNA, behaviors, etc.) to develop phylogenetic hypotheses. These data contribute to monographic revisions that include the description of new species and development of keys for identification. Understanding all aspects of the study taxon and development of phylogenetic hypotheses for the group worldwide is an essential part of my research, this naturally leads to many avenues of inquiry that address more general questions in biology. I intend my research to further the cause of systematics, which I believe is to expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural world and provide necessary basic knowledge for other biological studies. In order to develop a broader understanding of insects I emphasize field work and observation of the living animals whenever possible. My focus and model taxon is the carabid beetle family (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and my work cuts across all taxonomic levels from species to subfamilies.
Selected Publications
Liebherr JK, Roig-Juñent S & Will KW. 2024. Phylogenetic analysis of the circum-Antarctic Subfamily Migadopinae (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and assessment of the trans-Tasman Amarotypus clade. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 71, 319-338.
Maddison RD, Sproul SJ & Will KW. 2023. Re-collected after 55 years: a new species of Bembidion (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from California. ZooKeys 1156, 87-106.
Schmidt J, Scholz S, Wiesner J & Will KW. 2023. MicroCT data provide evidence correcting the previous misidentification of an Eocene amber beetle (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) as an extant species. Sci Rep 13, 14743.
Will KW. 2020. Revision of Cerabilia Laporte, 1867 (Carabidae: Abacetini) of Australia and New Caledonia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 62, 15-107.
Will KW. 2024. New species of Prosopogmus Chaudoir, 1865 from Western Australia (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pterostichini). Australian Journal of Taxonomy 81, 1-10.
Will KW, Gross J, Rubinoff D & Powell J. 2020. Field Guide to California Insects. University of California Press, Oakland, California:.
Will KW & Guéorguiev B. 2021. Phylogenetic systematics of the genera of Thryptocerina Jeannel, 1949 and new species from New Caledonia (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Oodini). ZooKeys 1044, 375-425.
Will KW & Liebherr JK. 2022. Two new species of Mecyclothorax Sharp, 1903 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Moriomorphini) from the Island of Hawai‵i. Pan-Pacific Entomologist 98, 1-17.
Will KW & Mendez P. 2021. Mating marks on museum specimens reveal breeding patterns in species of Pterostichus Bonelli (Carabidae, Pterostichini). Biodiversity Data Journal 9.
Will KW & Monteith G. 2024. Molecular phylogeny, classification, and description of new species of Australian Nuridius Sloane, 1890 (Carabidae: Pterostichini). Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature 65, 47-81.
Recent Teaching:
40 - Insects and Human Society
98 - DIRECTED GROUP STDY
140 - GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY
147 - FIELD ENTOMOLOGY
134 - Fire, Insects, and Diseases in Forest Ecosystems
198 - DIRECTED GROUP STDY
199 - SUPERV INDEP STUDY
290 - SPECIAL TOPICS ESPM
299 - INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH
Carabid beetles/ Insect Systematics
