Howard S. Ginsberg

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Coastal Field Station
Woodward Hall - PLS
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI   02881

Telephone: 401-874-4537

Fax: 401-874-2494

Email: hginsberg@usgs.gov

Primary Responsibilities: 
Dr. Ginsberg's primary assignment is to conduct research on invertebrate ecology and on the impacts of invertebrates on natural systems (including national park sites).  Research results are presented at professional conferences and symposia and reported in the scientific literature and in USGS and NPS reports. Ginsberg works with park and regional staff in the initiation, formulation, and implementation of invertebrate management plans for park areas. He also serves as a consultant for parks on invertebrate problems and is the primary consultant on the ecology and management of vector-borne diseases, and on conservation issues related to invertebrates in eastern national parks.

Ph.D., Cornell University, 1979, Entomology (Insect Ecology; advisor: George C. Eickwort)
B.S., State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1971, Biology

Citation from the Governor, 2001, State of Rhode Island, for outstanding efforts in combating the West Nile Virus

Directors Award for Natural Resource Research, 1999, National Park Service (national award)

Citation from the Governor, 1996, State of Rhode Island, for outstanding efforts in combating the EEE virus

Natural Science Award, 1991, National Park Service, North Atlantic Region

Active Projects: 

Effects of off-road vehicle traffic on the biotic community on sandy beaches at Cape Cod National Seashore (CACO).  

Effects of invasive plant species on pollinator service and reproduction in native plants at Acadia National Park 

Linyphia triangularis: an exotic spider with potential adverse impacts on the invertebrate fauna of Acadia National Park

Efficient surveillance, natural transmission dynamics, and targeted management of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes and birds

Selected Publications/Products: 

Raithel, C.J., H.S. Ginsberg, & M.L. Prospero.  2006.  Population trends and flight behavior
of the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus (Silphidae), on Block Island, RI.  Journal of Insect Conservation 10: 317-322  

Ginsberg, H.S., P.A. Buckley, M.G. Balmforth, E. Zhioua, S. Mitra, and F.G. Buckley. 2005. Reservoir competence of native North American birds for the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Journal of Medical Entomology 42: 445-449.

Ginsberg, H.S., E. Zhioua, S. Mitra, J. Fischer, P.A. Buckley, F. Verret, H.B.Underwood, & F.G. Buckley. 2004. Woodland type and spatial distribution of nymphal Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). Environmental Entomology 33: 1266-1273.

Mixson, T.R., H.S. Ginsberg, S.R. Campbell, J.W. Sumner, & C.D. Paddock. 2004. Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in adult and nymphal Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from Long Island, New York. Journal of Medical Entomology41: 1104-1110.

Ginsberg, H.S., R.A. LeBrun, K. Heyer, & E. Zhioua.  2002.  Potential nontarget effects of Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycetes) used for biological control of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Environmental Entomology 31: 1191-1196.

Ginsberg, H.S.  2001.  Integrated pest management and allocation of control efforts for
 vector-borne diseases.  Journal of Vector Ecology 26: 32-38.

Ginsberg, H.S. & E. Zhioua. 1999. Influence of deer abundance on the abundance of questing adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 36: 376-381.

Ginsberg, H.S. 1994. Conservation of invertebrates in U.S. National Parks. American Entomologist 40: 76-78.

Ginsberg, H.S.  1994.  Lyme disease and conservation. Conservation Biology 8: 343-353.

Ginsberg, H.S.  1993.  Transmission risk of Lyme disease and implications for tick management.  American Journal of Epidemiology 138: 65-73.

Ginsberg, H.S. 1993.  Geographical spread of Ixodes dammini and Borrelia  burgdorferi. pp. 63-82 In H.S. Ginsberg (editor) Ecology and Environmental Management of Lyme Disease.  Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, NJ.  224 pp.

Ginsberg, H.S. and C.P. Ewing. 1989. Habitat distribution of Ixodes dammini (Acari: Ixodidae) and Lyme disease spirochetes on Fire Island, NY. Journal of Medical Entomology 26: 183-189.

Ginsberg, H.S. 1986. Dispersal patterns of Aedes sollicitans (Diptera: Culicidae) at the east end of Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA. Journal of Medical Entomology 23: 146-155.

Ginsberg, H.S. 1986. Honey bee orientation behaviour and the influence of flower distribution on foraging movements. Ecological Entomology 11: 173-179.

Ginsberg, H.S. 1983. Foraging ecology of bees in an old field. Ecology 64: 165-175.