Exudation Entomology

Authors

John Buchanan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

First Advisor

Erin Bauer

Second Advisor

Leslie Rault

Third Advisor

Tom Weissling

Date of this Version

Fall 2025

Document Type

Project

Citation

ENTO 888, MS project

Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, John Buchanan. Used by permission

Abstract

My master's project is exudation entomology. I propose a new area of entomology that will renew and reshape the science, answer questions that have been explored, and open new questions that have yet to be asked.

Exudation entomology is the study of exudates from arthropods. This includes (but is not limited to) honey, saliva, silk, secretions, venom, pheromones, paper, wax, and more. Other properties, such as bioluminescence, sounds, and odors, are also included. Exudation entomology will explore the chemical makeup of exudates, the anatomical mechanisms for how the arthropod produces the exudate, why the exudate is essential for arthropods and humans, and the biology of several arthropods.

This project aims to provide an entry-level survey of exudation entomology by introducing exudates, their producers, their uses for arthropods and humans, and possible future uses of exudates.