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Dr. Daniel Marschalek’s research spans the fields of entomology, ecology, and conservation. Projects typically combine quantitative entomological and ecological research with the goal of informing data-driven decisions for the management and conservation of native species and communities. For this reason, endangered species are often a focus of his research.

Current research projects include studying endangered butterflies at the population and community level, and ecosystem functioning at the broader community level. This represents his philosophy on conservation: 1) endangered species are in need of immediate attention to prevent extinction, and 2) ecosystem processes and diverse groups of species must be maintained to prevent the further decline of important species and loss of the services they provide. Since 2002, Dr. Marschalek has led a research program for the conservation of the southern California butterfly community, focusing on several endangered species. A broader community level study is assessing how habitat and landscape characteristics influence arthropod communities, and how differences in species assemblages affect ecosystem functioning (pollination and decomposition rates).

Missouri projects are focused on the loamy-soil tiger beetle, blister beetles, butterflies, pollinator communities, and stream macroinvertebrates. Collaboration with state, federal, and other conservation biologists and researchers is an important component of all these research projects. For more information about these projects or about joining his lab, feel free to contact Dr. Marschalek via email.