Beetle hunting in the rockies

The lab played hooky to spend some time in the mountains scouting for populations of the Willow leaf beetle (Chrysomella aeneicollis). These charistmatic leaf beetles are well adapted to high altitude environments and an insect eco-physiologists dream. We lucked out an found a large population living at ~1900m near Mt. Boom in Banff!

En route to boom lake

Left to right: Maranda van Oirschot (MSc student, Rockies Rookie), Zoe Boklaschuk (BScH 2026, technician, supercooler), Sophie Zaplachinski (MSc Student, resident field biologist), Miguel Saludez (Summer researcher, rock enthusiast)

Adult willow leaf beetle

Chrysomela aeneicollis

Our lunch views

Boom Lake

Enjoying the lunch views

Left to right: Maranda, Jsckie, Sophie, Zoe

Mandatory post hike ice cream