E. Richard Hoebeke
Senior Extension Associate
erh2@cornell.edu

• Identification support, suspected adventive arthropods, North America.
• Detection, survey, immigrant (exotic) arthropods, North America.
• Systematics, phylogeny, biogeography, natural history, rove beetles (Coleoptera:   Staphylinidae).
• Systematics, taxonomy, Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).
• Identification specialist, Scolytidae (bark/ambrosia beetles).

To adequately appreciate arthropod diversity, and especially that of insects, one needs only to look around. But in spite of this tremendous diversity, many insects are very similar to each other morphologically, thus making the process of identifying any given specimen to species extremely difficult and challenging. Nevertheless, the cornerstone to sound pest management is the authoritative identity of the species in question. To this end, and as the department liaison between the Cornell University Insect Collection and the Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, I have remained actively involved in providing identification support for both research and extension efforts in the Department, College, and overall University community. Taxonomic support is also provided to other federal and state regulatory agencies.

Accurate species-level identification is absolutely essential when attempting to provide timely and important information on insect biology, management and control recommendations. An excellent example of this is the Asian longhorned beetle infestation in New York City and Chicago; I provided the initial identification of this exotic pest in September 1996 and this made it possible to learn about its biology, host trees, and pest status in Asia. The intended audiences include not only university researchers, but also homeowners, county agents, growers, and agri-producers. My expertise and experience in arthropod identification allows me to confidently provide valuable training (through pest identification workshops) to New York State extension personnel (agents, summer assistants, Master Gardeners, etc.) during the course of a year.

To provide the best possible taxonomic assistance in support of accurate species-level identifications for pest problems requires the continual curation, upgrading, and management of the Cornell University Insect Collection. This world-renowned biosystematic resource facility requires nothing less than the near full-time commitment of my services as a Senior Extension Associate/Assistant Curator. During times of downsizing and shrinking budgets, the task of maintaining excellence in insect/pest identification and our ability to provide timely identifications becomes even more difficult. It is absolutely essential that we maintain Cornell's image as the unparalleled leader in this support of agricultural research and production globally and regionally.

My primary extension activities focus on curation and collection management support to the Cornell University Insect Collection (CUIC). Upgrading all aspects of collection maintenance and building at Cornell will remain my major emphasis. Cornell, bar no other institution, has one of the largest and most species-diverse collections of identified research specimens in the world. This reference collection allows me to provide accurate identifications of potential pest species, native and exotic. I also serve as the department and college insect identification specialist in support of applied and basic research programs, and I provide timely, accurate species-level identifications to federal, state, and local stakeholders responsible for the safeguarding of American plant resources. I am committed to increasing public understanding about the importance of invasive insect pests and their impacts on society through effective communication and outreach efforts. I achieve to ensure dissemination of useful, timely information through a variety of methods, including personal contact and other communication systems (invited talks, workshops, seminars, the internet, and mass media such as newspapers, magazines, and radio). Education and outreach will create a depth of understanding and appreciation for the role of safeguarding the environment, our national food supply, and the economy from invasive organisms.

• Hoebeke, E. R. 2010. Rugilus ceylanensis (Kraatz) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae): a South Asian rove beetle new to North America. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 112(4): 508-516.  
• Hoebeke, E. R. and A. G. Wheeler, Jr. 2010. Euscelis ohausi Wagner (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae): a Palearctic leafhopper established in North America. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 112(4): 517-525.  
• Hoebeke, E. R. and M. E. Carter. 2010. First North American record of Ectobius lucidus (Hagenbach) (Blattodea: Blattellidae: Ectobiinae), with notes on recognition characters and seasonal history, and additional records for other Ectobius species in the northeastern United States. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 112(2): 229-238.  
• Wheeler, A. G., Jr., E. R. Hoebeke and E. H. Smith. 2010. Charles Valentine Riley: taxonomic contributions of an eminent agricultural entomologist. American Entomologist (ESA) 56(1): 14-30.  
• Wheeler, A. G., Jr. and E. R. Hoebeke. 2010. Heterogaster behrensii (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Lygaeoidea: Heterogastridae): new distribution records, biological notes, and characters distinguishing it from the Paearctic H. urticae (F.). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 112(2): 336-341.  
• Dodds, K. J., G. D. Garret, and E. R. Hoebeke. 2010. Trap type, lure placement, and habitat effects on Cerambycidae and Scolytinae (Coleoptera) catches in the northeastern United States. J. Econ. Entomol. 103(3): 698-707.
• Hoebeke, E. R., A. G. Wheeler, jr., J. M. Kingsolver, and D. L. Stephan. 2009. First North American records of the East Palearctic seed beetle Bruchidius terrenus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), a specialist on mimosa (Albizia julibrissin, Fabaceae). Florida Entomologist 92 (3): 434-440.
• Wheeler, A. G. Jr. and E. R. Hoebeke. 2009. Acizzia jamatonica (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae): U.S. distribution of a recently detected Asian psyllid. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 111(2): 505-514.
• Couri, M. S., T. G. Murphy, and E. R. Hoebeke. 2007. Philornis fasciventris (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae): Description of the male, larva and puparium, with notes on biology and host association. Neotropical Entomology 36(6): 889-893.
• Losey, J. E., J. E. Perlman, and E. R. Hoebeke. 2007. Citizen scientist rediscovers rare nine spotted lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata, in eastern North America. J. Insect Conservation 11: 415-417.
• Weston, P. A., G. Desurmont, and E. R. Hoebeke. 2007. Viburnum leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Biology, invasion history, and management options. American Entomologist 53(2): 96-101.
• Hoebeke, E. R. and R. J. Rabaglia. 2007. First reported occurrence of Xyleborinus alni (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in the eastern United States, with notes on its recognition and tree hosts. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 109(1): 240-248.
• Hoebeke, E. R. 2007. Asian Longhorned Beetle: Invasion on North American Urban Forests, pp. 25-29. In D. Pimentel, ed., Encyclopedia of Pest Management, Volume II. CRC Press, New York.
• Hoebeke, E. R. 2007. Invasive Insects as Major Pests in the United States, pp. 288-291. In D. Pimentel, ed., Encyclopedia of Pest Management, Volume II. CRC Press, New York.
• Hoebeke, E. R. and R. E. Acciavatti. 2006. Hylurgops palliatus (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a Eurasian bark beetle new to North America. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 108(2): 267-273.
• Peck, D. C., E. R. Hoebeke, and C. Klass. 2006. Detection and establishment of the European crane flies Tipula paludosa Meigen and Tipula oleracea L. (Diptera: Tipulidae) in New York: a review of their distribution, invasion history, biology, and recognition. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 108(4): 985-994.
• Wheeler, A. G., Jr., T. J. Henry, and E. R. Hoebeke. 2006. Palearctic plant bugs (Hemiptera, Miridae) in Newfoundland, Canada: first North American records for Phytocoris longipennis Flor and Pilophorus cinnamopterus (Kirschbaum), new records of eight other species, and review of previously reported species, pp. 997- 1014. In Rabitsch, W. (ed.), “Hug the bug, For love of true bugs.” Festschrift zum 70. Geburststag von Ernst Heiss. Denisia 19: 1184 pp.