HS student - research project on Leps

[jmoths]

Hey all!
I am a HS student in (10th) who specializes in in lepids, having done quite a few mini-projects revolving around varying species of moths and butterflies.

My dream has always been to work/contribute on a lepidoptera research paper, even if i'm credited for a very small part in it. If there is anyone who wants a little help with any aspect of research, whether it be collecting, searching, reporting -- I would LOVE to be part of it and be credited for a part of actual research!!!

I am based in Los Angeles, California, but if you are based ANYWHERE within the US, I can travel freely from most of June 7 - August 11.
PLEASE let me know and we can exchange information!! Thank you
Ishaan

[Chuck]

First thing is to let everyone know where you can go (including elevation, remote areas, etc.) and then find an appropriate partner that could use your help. What equipment do you have? Who is paying your costs? Expanding on that here would be a start.

For example, I have a project in NY/PA/MA/NH that would work June 7-11, but I won't be able to accompany you, nor am I paying for any of it.

Join Lepidopterists Society, and you can also put in an ad looking for work there. Check with the LA museum entomology department.

[jmoths]

Thanks for your input Chuck
For you and others,
It definitely depends on exactly how rural. Most places should be fine and accessible to me, I'd have to see case-by-case. I've done high elevation collecting before so elevation isn't a drawback.

In terms of equipment, I have both MV and UV blacklight setups, as well as a new generator (i'd have to look for it) for the lights to run. I'd also have to check for the specific model/type. I also have basic collecting equipment.

My parents and I are paying for costs, so no worries for that part.
Again, thank you for your feedback, it is really appreciated especially because I don't have the best idea on how to go about this.

[evra]

I would check out the Lorquin Society, which is largely a network of Lepidopterists in southern CA that's been around for decades. I know there are all kinds of members doing all kinds of fieldwork in CA that gets published.

If you really want a great field experience during that timeframe, I would say southern AZ at the last week of July or first week of August would be best.

[biscuit153]

I agree with evra. I would add that the Lorquin Society has a junior branch called the Lorquin Society Scholars. A couple of the members were running at table at the LA NHM Bug Fair last weekend. They were about your age, very bright and interested in entomology. I recently started following them on IG so that might be the best place to reach them. Search for "lorquinsocietyscholars". And as Chuck recommended, I also suggest that you might want to reach out directly to the entomology department at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum. Years ago I spent a summer volunteering in the collection there. It was a great learning experience for me.