The world's creatures hold so many secrets and scientists are tirelessly working to discover them every day. Even more so with insects, new species of critters keep cropping up in science books, but still there are so much more to discover. Now, a generous couple has gifted a research facility a donation that could shed some light into some of the insect world's mysteries.
A Transformative Gift
A prominent entomologist couple, Charlie and Lois O'Brien, have recently chosen to gift their massive collection of insects to Arizona State University which, thanks to the donation, is now among the ranks of leading research centers. The collection that is estimated to be worth about $12 million includes over 1 million weevils, an agriculturally significant species, and 250,000 planthoppers.
The couple's gift significantly adds to Arizona State University's Frank Hasbrouck Insect Collection which already had almost a million specimens before the donation. They chose to give their collection, which they started in the 1950s, to ASU among other facilities because of their approach to research and the value that their collection could give the facility.
"We are deeply indebted to the O'Briens for their transformative gift," said Ferran Garcia-Pichel, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences.
The Case For Weevils
Weevils have an unfortunately ominous name, and a long time ago, that name was feared in the U.S. cotton industry. They are pesticide resistant, highly mobile, reproduce quickly, and devastated farmers from East Africa to Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
This diverse group of agricultural bugs burrow into their plant host's body and lay their eggs. The hatched larvae then eat the different plant parts from the roots to the blooms. For a long time, the 65,000 identified weevil species has been an enemy of the agricultural industry that the U.S. Agriculture Department has taken measures to eradicate the bugs.
However, Charlie, who himself is an expert in weevils, has helped reshape the way weevils are seen from pest to agricultural helpers. When he was still a professor at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, he found a way to eliminate a weed species that's been destroying crops using weevils.
Because of his work, the very same species that was feared has now become an ally, with over two dozen countries are using weevils to control the invasive weed infestation.
The couple's decision to donate is in line with their hopes that ASU will use their massive collection to good use and hopefully continue the work that they have done in the past.
