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Black Purseweb Spider (Sphodros niger)  Photo by Michael J. Black |
Key tasks of the TWIGS include:
- assess the current state of knowledge about each taxonomic group (including preliminary checklists
and bibliographies, synonymy, and important holdings of voucher specimens);
- conduct field inventories (with voucher specimens, locality and ecological data);
- maintain working checklists and estimates of inventory completeness;
- produce checklists, including common names, synonymy, and status (for example, field-sighting
record, specimen-based record, extant taxon, believed-extirpated taxon, most-recent record, abundance);
- describe species new to science, when necessary;
- ensure accountability of the quality of the data collected;
- plan field work and determine collection methods;
- participate in the design of conventions for specimen label and observational data;
- enlist the participation of a network of taxonomists;
- write an annual report, research plan, and budget request;
- produce field guides, identification aids, drawings, and photographs;
- summarize current data and interesting aspects of the inventories for web communication.
Current Approved TWiGs:
Taxonomic Group (TWiG) |
TWiG Leader(s) & Co-Leader(s) |
| Amphibians | *Paul Crump: Department of Conservation and Science, Houston Zoo, Inc. |
| Aquatic Ecto-Parasites | *Michael A. Barger: Department of Natural Science,
Peru State College Scott D. Snyder: Department of Natural Science, Peru State College |
| Aquatic True Bugs | *Paul Tinerella: Department of Entomology, University of Illinois (link to more info) |
| Bryophytes | *Dale Kruse: S.M. Tracy Herbarium,
Texas A&M University
Paul G. Davison: Department of Biology, University of North Alabama |
| Freshwater Fishes | *Chad Hargrave: Center for Biological Field Studies and Department of Biological Sciences,
Sam Houston State University Raelynn Deaton: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University |
| Freshwater Mussels | *Marsha May: Texas Parks and Wildlife |
| Gyrinid Beetles | *Jerry L. Cook: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University Edward Realzola: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University |
| Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) | *David F. Henderson: Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas |
| Lichens | *Robert S. Egan: Department of Biology, University of Nebraska |
| Macro Fungi (Mushrooms) | *David P. Lewis: Gulf States Mycological Society |
| Pyrenomycetes (Wood-inhabiting Fungi) | *Larissa Vasilyeva: Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences |
| Photography | *Michael J. Black: Private Consultant |
| Plants: Orchids | *Joe Liggio: Private Consultant |
| Pseudoscorpions | *Richard E. Clopton:
Department of Natural Science, Peru State College Jerry L. Cook: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University |
| Slime Molds | *Steven L. Stevenson: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas Kate Winsett: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas |
| Tardigrades (Water Bears) | *Harry A. Meyer: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
McNeese State University Juliana G. Hinton: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, McNeese State University |
| Terrestrial Arthropods | * Jerry L. Cook: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University |
| Vascular Plants I | *Stephen L. Hatch:
S.M. Tracy Herbarium, Texas A&M University Dale Kruse: S.M. Tracy Herbarium, Texas A&M University |
| Vascular Plants II | *Larry E. Brown: Rice University (retired), Plant Taxonomist |
| List revised 9/20/2009 | * Indicates the Leader of the TWIG group. |
- The Thicket of Diversity project is currently in the process of recruiting for
additional Taxonomic Working Groups and members to lead them.
- Additional information is available in the TWIG Leader Information Package.
- If you are interested please email:
- Dave Roemer, dave_roemer@nps.gov or
- Dale Kruse dakruse@ag.tamu.edu.
