The UF/UCV Entomology Link

There has been collaborative research in entomology for decades between UF and Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), but this course is the first collaborative teaching experience for undergraduate and graduate students. "Tropical Entomology" was the inspiration of Dr José Clavijo, a faculty member of the Departamento de Zoología Agrícola, UCV. Dr Clavijo makes most of the arrangements for the field trip, and his help and participation are essential.

The Universidad Central de Venezuela is the country's oldest and largest university. Its main campus is in Caracas, but its agricultural campus is in Maracay, 109 km to the west. Most UCV entomologists work in the Departamento de Zoología Agrícola, but some are stationed in the Departamento de Biología on the main campus in Caracas.

A major function of the Departamento de Zoología Agrícola is taxonomic research on Venezuelan and other insects. The insect collection housed in its Museo del Instituto de Zoología Agrícola (MIZA) is by far the largest in Venezuela. MIZA is soon to have a beautiful new building to house this collection, the scientists working on it, visiting scholars, and lecture rooms. UCV/Maracay and UF/IFAS now have a formal agreement to encourage collaboration.

Maracay (pop. ~450,000 in 1994, elev. 450 m) is the capital city of the state of Aragua (Estado Aragua). Just 40 km west of Maracay, is Valencia, the capital of the state of Carabobo (Estado Carabobo). Valencia has an airport served by international flights of  some international airlines. The much larger airport serving Caracas is at La Guaira, 25 km north of Caracas; although this has flights by US airlines, it is much less convenient to Maracay.

The Maracay region of Venezuela is ideal for the course because of the concentration of entomologists at the UCV-Maracay campus; MIZA; the history of research collaboration between UCV and UF entomologists; the presence of a UCV biological station in Parque Nacional Henri Pittier; the rich and varied natural and agricultural habitats within a short distance; and airline access to Maracay through Valencia airport.

Tropical Entomology Home Page

Tropical Entomology Lab Page

Tropical Entomology Lecture Page