The Elizabeth A. McMahan Entomological Research Films and Manuscripts collection consists of 8mm film documenting McMahan's 1986 entomological research on the assassin bug (Salyavata variegata) in La Selva, Costa Rica and Panama as well as her research journals. These insects use dead termites as bait in order to catch other ...
MoreThe Elizabeth A. McMahan Entomological Research Films and Manuscripts collection consists of 8mm film documenting McMahan's 1986 entomological research on the assassin bug (Salyavata variegata) in La Selva, Costa Rica and Panama as well as her research journals. These insects use dead termites as bait in order to catch other termites, a technique similar to fishing. The films depict various stages of this process, such as the assassin bug waiting outside a termite hole with his bait, the assassin bug catching termites with the bait, and the assassin bug returning to the hole to catch more termites. The collection also includes illustrated, self-published manuscripts, including a children's book as well as autobiographical writings, a bibliographical journal article on her life, and a Sociobiology Journal, vol. 56, no. 1, 2010 edition to include chapter on Elizabeth Anne McMahan written by Christine A. Nalepa. Entomologist Elizabeth A. McMahan, known as Betty, was best known for her study of assassin bugs and termites. McMahan was a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for 26 years. In addition to her entomological career, McMahan worked as a research psychologist, cartoonist, writer of children's books. She traveled widely for her entomological research and for pleasure.
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