Mizzou is well known for many things. Between The Columns, Homecoming or our MIZ-ZOU chant, we have made a name for ourselves. But did you know that we have an insect named after us? Yes…an insect!
Benjamin Puttler, a researcher in the Division of Plant Sciences, discovered an unknown species here on our very own campus back in 2005. In 2012, it was officially announced as a new species. It’s official name? Aphis Mizzou.
HerCampus caught up with Mr. Puttler to learn some more about the insect named after our beloved school.
Her Campus Mizzou: Mr. Puttler, when did you first realize that you wanted to study Entomology?
Benjamin Puttler: Growing up in New York, I didn’t see very many insects. Right after graduating high school, someone mentioned Entomology to me. I did some research on it and it was very appealing. I knew it was what I wanted to do.
HCM: I wish it were that easy for me! Where did you attend college and when did you come to Mizzou?
BP: I attended the University of California Berkley. After college, I did some work in California and then New Jersey. I intended to work my way back West, to California, but I got delayed in Columbia in 1965. I’ve been doing research at Mizzou ever since 1990.
HCM: So how exactly did you discover this new species?
BP: I was studying an insect on a plant called Hypericum when I observed a second insect on the plant. It looked different to me and after a few other studies it was determined to be a new species.
HCM: What made this insect different?
BP: The insect was located on different parts of the plant, it was also colored black whereas the other insect was a reddish color.
HCM: So how did you and your colleagues come up with the name Aphis Mizzou?
BP: Doris Lagos, a researcher at U of I, is the senior describer. She asked me what we should name it and I thought since it was found on our campus, might as well name it Mizzou!
HCM: Cool! I can’t believe we have our own insect named after us! Thanks for your time!
Photo : http://cafnrnews.com/uploads/2012/11/BenPuttler2WEB.jpg