Brief history of the Entomology Laboratory
Since its creation, the laboratory of Entomology has worked on various aspects of arthropod biodiversity of Southern South America, with a particular emphasis on the biogeographic provinces of Monte, Patagonian Steppe, Subantarctic Forests, Chaco, and montane environments of Puna and Altoandina. Numerous projects have been carried out that have analysed different taxonomical groups at a global scale, but always emphasizing the study of the Argentine entomofauna or that of neighbouring countries. Within Argentina, the diversity of Mendoza has been studied with greater intensity, which has resulted in the description of numerous new species (in 2010 there was a preliminary list of 2,500 species and currently the number is over twice that value) as well as their distribution patterns. Also within Mendoza, several ecological studies of mountainous and arid environments, limnological studies of mountainous water systems, as well as forensic studies, etc. have been completed. In 2005, research lines related to the biogeography of reptiles were incorporated and currently different ecological and physiological aspects of herpetology are also carried out in this laboratory.
Since 1995, 430 scientific papers have been published by members of the group, either jointly or individually. Of these, 371 are journal articles, 58 correspond to book chapters, and five are books. This growth has been correlated with the growth of the Laboratory’s Human Resources.
In addition, the members of the Laboratory of Entomology have carried out various communication and transfer tasks, among which we can mention technical reports, Postgraduate courses (Evolution, Phylogenetic Systematics, Historical Biogeography, Entomology in general, Forensics, etc.), informative brochures and talks, as well as internships of various kinds.
Origin of the Laboratory (1995)
The IADIZA´s Entomology Laboratory (CCT CONICET Mendoza) was formed by a group of entomologists who worked in the IADIZA´s Animal Zoology and Ecology Unit. In 1995, with the organization of the III Argentine Congress of Entomology, this group of researchers, fellows, and support staff formally became a laboratory, with specific research aims. In 1996 the Laboratory of Entomology obtained a CONICET subsidy for a project that involved the study of the Insect Biodiversity of the Monte, which brought its members closer as a working group.
Entomology Laboratory members in 1998. (From left to right: Susana Lagos, Adriana Marvaldi, Silvia Claver, Guillermo Debandi, Cecilia Domínguez, Gustavo Flores and Sergio Roig).
Between the years 2001 and 2002 a physical space for the entire work group was finally found, this space provided the member of the laboratory with seven research cabinets, a laboratory, and a suitable environment for the Entomology collection which would eventually become the CEI Collection.
At the inauguration of the Laboratory of Entomology´s new headquarters in the IMBECU building (2002). From left to right: Erica Scheibler, Cristina Reising, Cecilia Domínguez, Silvia Claver, Ana María Scollo, Susana Lagos, Adriana Marvaldi, Marisa and Sergio Roig, Gustavo Flores, Guillermo Debandi, and Fidel Roig.
Members and growth of human resources
Two members of the future Entomology Laboratory worked at IADIZA before 1991: Prof. Ana María Scollo, who is a biology teacher and was in charge of the entomological collection and Dr. Silvia Claver who worked in ant ecology as well as in conservation (mainly focused in what would become the biosphere reserve of Ñacuñan). In 1991 Dr. Sergio Roig joined that group, followed by Dr. Adriana Marvaldi in 1992, and in 1993 Drs. Gustavo Flores and Guillermo Debandi. These researchers formed the core team in charge of the organization of the III Argentine Congress of Entomology in Mendoza in 1995. The experience in team work given by the organization of the congress allowed a glimpse of the work ability of this team of people and consolidates it as a group. The welcoming of new members to the laboratory during the following years was constant, as a result nine members of the laboratory completed their doctoral theses. In the last 10 years (2012-2022) the number of members has remained between 17 and 21, currently consisting of nine researchers, six fellows and two support professionals.
Chairperson: Over the years chairpersons were:
ROIG-Juñent, Sergio (Current)
FLORES, Gustavo Ernesto.
MARVALDI, Adriana Elena.
Members in 2008 at Entomology garden
Former members of Entomology (currently not in the laboratory)
Researchers
MARVALDI, Adriana Elena
TOGNELLI, Marcelo Fabio
OCAMPO, Federico Carlos
CIOCCO, Néstor Fernando
KOCH, Eduardo
ABALLAY, Fernando Hernán
Support staff
CLAVER, Silvia
ROIG, María del Carmen
LAGOS, Susana
Fellows
DEBANDI, Guillermo
RUIZ-MANZANOS, Eider
SALLENAVE, Soledad
FERRER, Silvia
SAN BLAS, Diego Germán
SEITZ, Viviana Paola
AGUILAR, Rocio
MASSI, Carolina
PEREYRA, Vanina Antonella
NEITA MORENO, John Cesar
VICENZI, Nadia Pamela
MALDONADO, Belén
COPPERI, Sofia