William Ericson

Benicia, CA, USA

Well, I have collected insects since I was three. My parents are extreme backpacking people so I grew up in a life of traveling to different habitats for a week to a month, and every place we went I became more fascinated with insects, and tried to collect what I could. I really didn't understand much until I started High school which is were I started learning more scientific names and the habits of certain insects. Even if I don't have a jar I still find ways to catch insects.
Currently I am extremely into velvet ants (mutillids) and I'm learning a lot from Kevin Williams.
I still collect...... a lot. I'm pretty much a generalist at the moment and collect any insect, although has I said I have a few main interests that I am currently pursuing. I love exploring and I love insects, combine the two and they make me the happiest person in the world.
I do research every once and a while. My last research site was a place called Rush Ranch, this is where I studied the pollinators of the Suisun thistle (an endangered plant). we collected everything from osmia, bombus, to blister beetles. The research for that will be ongoing for a while.
Summer of 2006 I did research on nocturnal and diurnal mutillids and I still love studying mutillidae.
I am currently I'm writing a chapter for terrestrial invertebrates of Rush Ranch.
I am a raving entomologist who is constantly looking for a source of new knowledge of insects and the like. I love talking with people that have an interest in entomology, the topics and fascination are endless.