Prairie Research Institute News

Digitization Project Finds Anthrax Samples in Collections

Mar 30, 2016 8:00 am

When anthrax became a household name in 2011, even curators of some herbaria were unaware that samples of Bacillus anthracis, the source of anthrax, had been housed in their microfungal collections for more than a hundred years. Recently, a digitization project at the Illinois Natural History Survey unearthed the whereabouts of historical samples, including one at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Emiquon producing massive crappie

Apr 17, 2012 8:00 am

INHS Fisheries Technicians Kenny Lookingbill (sunglasses at right) and Collin Hinz (left), reported that recent fish surveys at Emiquon turned up massive crappies, the largest weighing in at 3.4 pounds, 17 inches long. Emiquon is an approximately 3,000 acre restored natural area along the Illinois River and based on these surveys may become the best crappie fishery. INHS Illinois River Biologial Field Station and the INHS Forbes Biological Field Station study the waterfowl and fish populations in that area as a means of evaluating the success of the restoration and management.

Illinois Chapter of the Wildlife Society Honors Dr. Stephen P. Havera

May 18, 2007 12:00 am

Asian carp still doing well

Sep 7, 2010 9:00 am

Thad Cook, of the Illinois River Biological Station, took an impressive photo of carp that appeared in a web log of the Peoria Journal Star.

Fire-spawned forest fungi hide out in other organisms, study finds

Oct 25, 2019 6:45 am

When a wildfire obliterates a forest, the first life to rise from the ashes is usually a fungus – one of several species that cannot complete its life cycle in the absence of fire. Scientists have long argued about where and how such pyrophilous (fire-loving) fungi survive, sometimes for decades, between fires. A new study finds that some of these fungi hide out in the tissues of mosses and lichens.

Invasive Species Workshop Trains First Detectors in Illinois

Nov 11, 2016 8:00 am

The 2017 Illinois First Detector Workshop on invasive plants, diseases, and insects will be offered at eight Illinois sites beginning in January 2017.

Saving our natural heritage, one stopper at a time

Dec 12, 2018 10:00 am

The INHS Insect Collection holds more than 350,000 vials with more than 3 million insect and arthropod specimens inside. About 70 percent of these are in vials with stoppers that are – or could soon be – melting. A National Science Foundation grant supports our efforts to replace these stoppers and protect these specimens.

Relationship between conservationists and Papua New Guinea villagers more than just monetary

Dec 21, 2015 8:00 am

INHS Post doctoral researcher Bridget Henning, had a paper published recently looking at market-based conservation in Papua New Guinea. Her research found that although villagers were concerned with the condition of the forest, they placed more emphasis on their relationship with conservationists, expecting conservationists to be present in the village, reciprocate their hospitality, participate in customary ceremonies, and respond to requests for material goods. This research explained that the relationship that maintained the conservation project was not market-based, it was a customary Melanesian exchange relationship that involved material goods, social interactions, and moral obligations.

Camera trap study reveals the hidden lives of island carnivores

Dec 21, 2018 11:30 am

Illinois Natural Areas Inventory discovers new natural areas

Mar 14, 2011 2:30 pm

Illinois Natural History Survey scientists have spent the past three years evaluating thousands of sites across Illinois to assess their quality. Biologists have discovered approximately 185 more of these "beautiful little gems," as Randy Nyboer calls them, which were missed during the original inventory in 1978. The Inventory is used by the Nature Preserves Commission to determine protection and management of our remaining natural areas.

Casting a net for conservation

Mar 22, 2017 8:00 am

Go Behind the Scenes with graduate research assistant Benjamin Williams as he catches ducks and records data along the Wabash River.

New study reveals evolutionary patterns of grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids over the past 300 million years

Apr 8, 2015 8:00 am

INHS Orthoperterist and Paleontologist Sam Heads was co-author on a recently published study determining the evolutionary relationships of the grasshoppers, katydids, and crickets. The current study is based on genetics rather than morphological characteristics.

Snake Road sojourn

Apr 18, 2017 8:00 am

INHS Conservation Biologist Mark Davis describes his journey along Snake Road in the Shawnee National Forest in search of snakes, frogs, salamanders, and other creatures in the wild.

Where the wild turkeys aren't

May 12, 2017 8:00 am

The wild turkeys have not been cooperating with avian ecologist Christine Parker as she attempts to catch, weigh, measure, and fit them with micro-GPS units to learn about their habits.

Asian tiger mosquito gains ground in Illinois

Jun 4, 2020 8:15 am

Researchers report that the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has become more abundant across Illinois in the past three decades. Its spread is problematic, as the mosquito can transmit diseases–like chikungunya or dengue fever–to humans.

Deer ticks more adaptable than previously known

Jun 28, 2011 2:00 pm

Deer ticks, the host species for Lyme disease, feed on a variety of animals, with white footed mice (a forest species) as the main reservoir for the disease causing bacteria. INHS Wildlife Epidemiologist Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, graduate student Jennifer Rydzewski and Richard Warner (NRES) found that the highest prevalence of infection at Allerton Park was from the prairie, with prairie voles as the reservoir. "What's exciting about the new findings is that we are dealing with potentially new mechanisms of disease transmission that we just have not explored and perhaps we do not understand," Mateus-Pinilla said. "We need to think outside of what we already know about Lyme disease transmission."

Craig Miller describes risks of lead ammunition

Nov 13, 2020 12:15 pm

Illinois Natural History Survey human dimensions scientist Craig Miller spoke to News Bureau life sciences editor Diana Yates about the risks associated with using lead ammunition in hunting.

Dr. John Marlin's Mud to Parks Program tackles Pekin Landfill

Nov 16, 2007 12:00 am

The Mud to Parks Program took another step forward last month as dredged earth from the Lower Peoria Lake was used to cap off the Pekin Landfill. Dr. John Marlin, senior scientist at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Waste Management and Research Center, oversees the program and discussed the new developments with several news outlets.

Decline in waterfowl documented in Pool 19

Nov 19, 2008 2:00 pm

The Evansville Courier & Press (IN) published an article by Phil Potter on 2 November 2008 that discusses the decline in bird numbers in Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. 1958 data collected by the Illinois Natural History Survey recorded 465,200 lesser scaup visiting Pool 19, while 2001 data collected by the Illinois Natural History Survey recorded 55,53 lesser scaup. To learn more, visit the Newsbank article, "Not as many birds as in the past are landing in Pool 19."

INHS contributes to 70th annual Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference

Dec 18, 2009 2:45 pm

The 70th annual Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference was held in Springfield, IL during the first part of December 2009. Several INHS researchers, such as Dr. Steve Havera, Dr. John Epifanio and affiliate Dr. Jeff Brawn. The co-chair of the conference was Dr. Epifano, who said that more than 650 people were in attendance. Of those in attendance, 240 were students who had the option of attending any of the four sessions offered on networking, working in groups or mentoring.

Weightless in San Luis Potosi

Dec 21, 2017 10:15 am

Field biologist Jeremy Tiemann describes a recent trip to the Valles River basin in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi to collect freshwater mussels.

Lice evolve faster than their primate hosts

Jan 8, 2014 8:00 am

INHS Psocodea expert Kevin Johnson and post doctoral researcher Julie Allen led a recently published study comparing the rate of evolution in primates with that in their louse parasites. This study is the first to look at the pace of molecular change across the genomes of different groups. Read LA Times article.

50 million-year-old fossil assassin bug has unusually well-preserved genitalia

Jan 19, 2021 10:45 am

The fossilized insect is tiny and its genital capsule, called a pygophore, is roughly the length of a grain of rice. It is remarkable, scientists say, because the bug’s physical characteristics – from the bold banding pattern on its legs to the internal features of its genitalia – are clearly visible and well-preserved. Recovered from the Green River Formation in present-day Colorado, the fossil represents a new genus and species of predatory insects known as assassin bugs.

The Biology of Small Mammals published

Mar 4, 2010 5:30 pm

Dr. Joseph F. Merritt, INHS Mammalogist, is the author of The Biology of Small Mammals, published by the Johns Hopkins University Press. The book covers small mammals, which are defined as weighing 11 pounds and under. The book, 336 pages long, also includes black and white photographs and illustrations. It can be ordered from amazon.com.

Become a citizen scientist for pollinators with University of Illinois

Mar 6, 2019 4:45 pm

University of Illinois Extension is calling all lovers of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our crops and gardens growing to join scientists in tracking their distribution and habitat use across the state, from the comfort of your home, school, or community garden.

Local pros' scientific 'show and tell' wows Yankee Ridge students

Apr 13, 2012 8:00 am

INHS Biologist Samantha Carpenter participated in Yankee Ridge Elementary School's Junior Scientist Day, teaching students about Illinois Mammals. This was the 10th annual Junior Scientist Day, with scientists from University of Illinois, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, INHS and other local groups sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with the students.

INHS team discovers new invasive clam species

May 1, 2017 8:00 am

They found it in the Illinois River near the city of Marseilles, Illinois, about 80 miles west of Lake Michigan—a strange entry point for an invasive Asian clam. The scientists who found it have no idea how it got there. But the discovery—along with genetic tests that confirm its uniqueness—means that a new species or “form” of invasive clam has made its official debut in North America. This is only the latest invasive aquatic species to settle in North America, said Illinois Natural History Survey aquatic ecologist Jeremy Tiemann, who discovered the new clam with INHS mussel field biologist Sarah Douglass in late 2015.

INHS scientists teach students about conservation

May 12, 2011 9:00 am

Moultrie County 4th graders learned about Conservation at the Moultrie County 4-H Fairgrounds, with the help of INHS scientists. Tara Beveroth taught about birds and research techniques, Jean Mengelkoch taught about bats and endangered species, while Jen Mui and Patty Dickerson brought the Traveling Science Center with its display about Biodiversity and Exotic Invasive Species.

Searching for Turtles in a Sea of Grass

May 17, 2018 2:45 pm

Members of the INHS Population and Community Ecology Lab surveyed two of the largest known Ornate Box Turtle sites with the goal of finding, measuring, and marking as many turtles as possible.

Aggressive, non-native wetland plants squelch species richness more than dominant natives do

Jun 19, 2019 9:15 am

For now, Illinois’ imperiled eastern massasauga rattlesnakes retain their genetic diversity

Aug 13, 2018 9:15 am

Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and the loss of genetic diversity are the three main factors driving the extinction of many wild species, and the few eastern massasauga rattlesnakes remaining in Illinois have certainly suffered two of the three. A long-term study of these snakes reveals, however, that – despite their alarming decline in numbers – they have retained a surprising amount of genetic diversity.

Negative image aside, Asian carp are a boon

Aug 18, 2011 8:00 am

Although there is widespread concern about the spread of Asian Carp, for some people, they represent a new industry and economic boon. Asian Carp harvest has increased thirtyfold in the past ten years. In 2010, a fisheries company in Thomson IL sold 20 million pounds of Asian carp to consumers globally. According to Greg Sass, director of the INHS Illinois River Biological Station, that while Asian Carp represent 80% of fish in parts of the Illinois River, scientific research has not yet established a direct connection between the presence of Asian Carp and the decline of native species.

It's mussel time!

Aug 30, 2018 8:30 am

Cowbirds aren't just deadbeat parents

Sep 10, 2015 8:00 am

A new study from INHS graduate student Matthew Louder, and INHS Ornithologists Wendy Schelsky, Jeff Hoover, and Amber Albores found that female cowbirds monitor nest success of their offspring and will lay their eggs in the most successful host nests. This, combined with previous work by Jeff Hoover and colleagues, shows that female cowbirds aren't just abandoning their eggs in a host nest. Nests that fledged cowbirds were much more likely to be parasitized by cowbirds again than those that failed to fledge cowbirds.

Illinois study finds surprising level of monogamy among cowbirds

Oct 2, 2019 9:00 am

Serpents of the Badlands

Oct 24, 2017 1:30 pm

What's it like to hunt for sunning serpents with the wind whistling in your ears? Find out in this Behind the Scenes story by INHS conservation biologist Mark Davis.

Rare salamander sparks excitement in INHS herpetologists

Nov 9, 2012 8:00 am

INHS Herpetologist Chris Phillips was interviewed for a recent installment of Environmental Almanac. Phillips was contacted by a photographer who captured an image of an elusive, fully aquatic amphibian known as a siren, being eaten by a Great Blue Heron in Vermilion County. Sirens are known from southern Illinois but have never been detected by the extensive INHS herpetological surveys of Vermilion County over the past 20 years. Phillips said, "It goes to show you there are still some surprises out there for a herpetologist in the Midwest."

North American checklist identifies the fungus among us

Nov 28, 2018 9:15 am

A new checklist of North American fungi published this month in the journal Mycologia “provides the basis for understanding our national mycoflora,” according to mycologist Andrew Miller, who led the effort to compile the data.

INHS macro-invertebratologist Steve Taylor illuminates the unique world of caves

Dec 2, 2010 2:45 pm

INHS Macro-Invertebrate Scientist and cave maggot namesake, Steve Taylor was featured in an article from the Illinois News Bureau. Read about his "more than two decades plumbing the mysteries of cave life," in articles by the U of I News Bureau and Physorg.com.

INHS to host 100th Annual Meeting of the Illinois Academy of Science

Dec 5, 2007 8:00 am

INHS will host the 100th Annual Meeting of the Illinois State Academy of Science to be held on April 4-5, 2008. Academy members are invited to submit abstract abstracts of papers and posters for presentation in any of the recognized ISAS divisions. For more information on the event and submissions, please visit this website.

two yellow prothonotary warblers perched on a branch

Warmer springs mean more offspring for prothonotary warblers

Dec 9, 2020 8:30 am

Climate change contributes to gradually warming Aprils in southern Illinois, and at least one migratory bird species, the prothonotary warbler, is taking advantage of the heat. A new study analyzing 20 years of data found that the warblers start their egg-laying in southern Illinois significantly earlier in warmer springs. This increases the chances that the birds can raise two broods of offspring during the nesting season, researchers found.

Native birds as biological controllers of Emerald Ash Borer Beetles?

Dec 20, 2013 8:00 am

INHS Ornithologist Chris Whelan is a co-author on a recent publication reporting that woodpeckers may be helpful in controlling Emerald Ash Borer Beetles. Their study found that bark foraging birds, such as woodpeckers, foraged more heavily on ash trees and preferred ash trees with visible canopy decline over healthy trees. "Predation by bark-foragers significantly reduced tree-level EAB densities by upwards of 85%." The authors conclude that enhancing habitat for woodpeckers and other bark foragers may help control infestations and create more resilient forests.

New species of springtail named for resemblance to Lord of the Rings villain

Dec 30, 2014 8:00 am

INHS Entomologist Felipe Soto-Adames and colleagues described a new species of Collembola, Trogolaphysa sauron. It is named for the dorsal pattern's resemblance to the helmet of Sauron, a character in Lord of the Rings, as represented in Peter Jackson's 2001 film. Their paper, released this week by the Journal of Insect Science, revises the taxonomy of the subfamily Paronellinae and describes the new species.

INHS partnership offers undergraduates research experiences in ecology

Mar 3, 2017 8:00 am

The Illinois Natural History Survey will partner with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on a three-year grant providing immersive research experiences to undergraduates in the areas of archaeology and ecology. Research opportunities will begin this summer.

2009 William H. Luckmann winner announced

Mar 11, 2009 1:30 pm

Nicholas A. Tinsley has won the 2009 William H. Luckmann Award for Research in Applied Entomology. His research project, "Effects of Current and Future Soybean Aphid Management Tactics on Soybean Aphids and Their Natural Enemies in Illinois," will help scientists and growers improve methods of Soybean Aphid integrated pest management. The William H. Luckmann Award is given for research that focuses on aspects of applied entomology such as arthropod pest management, use of insects in biological control programs, pollinators, or natural areas health. The research may be carried out for agricultural, horticultural, urban, medical or natural areas systems. Visit the Illinois Natural History Survey webpage to learn more about the William H. Luckmann award.

LMBS researchers present at Perch Summit

Mar 24, 2014 8:00 am

INHS Lake Michigan Biological Station researcher Charles Roswell and co-authors Sergiusz Czesny, Josh Dub, and Will Stacy were invited to present on the “Status and Trends of Yellow Perch Fishing and Harvest in Lake Michigan,” at the Lake Michigan Yellow Perch Summit hosted by the Lake Michigan Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The summit took place at the UIC forum in Chicago and consisted of talks about the status of the Lake Michigan ecosystem and perch fishery by researchers and managers for members of the public (in-person and streamed live online), followed by discussion among all participants (stakeholders, researchers, and managers).

US Army Corps releases report on Asian carp and electric barriers

Mar 29, 2011 8:00 am

The US Army Corps of Engineers released a report on the operation of the electric barrier system in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. This study focuses on the smaller individuals, which may be better able to cross the barriers. Prior research by Illinois Natural History Survey scientists about the efficacy of the electric barrier systems for adult fish is cited.

blog navigation

blog posts