Brandon Woo

Areas of Expertise

• Insect systematics and natural history
• Orthoptera
• Polyneoptera

Professional Summary

Brandon Woo is a Ph.D. student in the Song Lab at Texas A&M University. His research interests lie in the fields of systematics and natural history of insects. His thesis research focuses on pygmy mole crickets (Orthoptera: Tridactylidae), a critically understudied, early-branching lineage of small, burrowing grasshoppers. Most species in this family occur in semiaquatic habitats, but in central Florida a number of species have transitioned to a lifestyle in the unique xeric (dry) scrub habitats of the central part of the state that represent ancient Pleistocene dune systems. These rapidly-disappearing habitats are home to many endemic species with unusual adaptations, and the pygmy mole crickets are no exception. Woo’s research is aimed at understanding the evolution of this group of insects and the innovations that have allowed them to occupy such diverse habitats. He is also interested in the use of citizen/community science platforms such as BugGuide and iNaturalist to aid in biodiversity research and in engaging the public about nature.

iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/brandonwoo