Research Associate
A Texas native with a lifelong passion for insects, I earned a master’s degree in Entomology from Texas A&M in 2020. While working on my degree in the Heinz lab, and later as a project aide, my research was focused on native ecosystems encompassing non-native species, specifically crapemyrtle bark scale (see publications below). In my role as a research associate for the Vargo lab I conduct pesticide trials for pesticide manufacturing companies. The targets of these trials typically include many species of ants, termites, and cockroaches. Since coming to the lab, I have learned a great deal about collecting and rearing all these pests.
Education
M.S. Entomology, 2020, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Thesis: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Acanthococcus Lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae): Analysis of Factors Influencing Infestation and Control
B.A. English, 2008, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
Publications
Gilder, K., Gu, M., Merchant, M., Heinz, K. 2021. Inventory and Food Web of Arthropod Fauna Associated with Lagerstroemia spp. in Texas. Southwestern Entomologist, 46(2):413-438. doi: 10.3958/059.046.0212
Gilder, K., Gu, M., Merchant, M., Heinz, K. 2021. Landscape Structure and Its Effects on Crapemyrtle Bark Scale, Acanthococcus lagerstreoemiae, and Its Natural Enemies. Southwestern Entomologist, 46(1):153-166. doi: 10.3958/059.046.0115
Gilder, K., Masloski, K., Woolley, J., Gu, M., Merchant, M. and Heinz, K. 2020. Discovery of a non-native parasitoid, Marlattiella prima Howard (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) and its non-native host, Lopholeucaspis japonica Cockerell (Hemiptera, Diaspididae) in Central Texas. Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 77: 213-217. doi: 10.3897/jhr.77.53827
Arthurs, S., Krauter, P., Gilder, K. and Heinz, K. 2018. Evaluation of deltamethrin-impregnated nets as a protective barrier against Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Crop Protection, 112: 227-231. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2018.06.006.
Contact Information
Phone: 979-845-5855
FAX: 979-845-5926
Email: kyle.gilder@tamu.edu