The investigators will sample the inquilines that are found in the nests of ants and termites in three general areas of North Queensland, Australia. These areas are the Iron Range, the top end of the York Peninsula, and the area around Cape Tribulation. The inquilines (usually called myrmecophiles and termitophiles) belong to a wide variety of taxonomic groups and exhibit a wide variety of ecological relationships to the ants and termites ranging from parasites to detritus feeders that clean up the kitchen middens of the nests. The significance of this proposed expedition lies in the creation of collections of specimens and data which will be used in future research by the investigators and by many other taxonomic experts. Specific projects which will benefit immediately are the revision of the Termitonannini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), the revision of the Dorylomimini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and the revision of the Phoridae (Diptera). The project will increase the scientific resources of the United States and Australia through the increase of our samples of insects from hard to sample, and unique areas.
