Research Interests

Insect behaviour and diversity. Evolution of mating systems, male dimorphism and male/male competition in insects. Reproductive behaviour of solitary bees and wasps. Diversity of Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps and bees) in natural and altered habitats.

Courses Taught

Awards

2003 - University of Calgary Faculty of Science Award of Excellence (community outreach)

Selected publications

• Longair, R.W. 2004. Tusked males, male dimorphism and nesting behavior in a subsocial Afrotropical wasp, Synagris cornuta, and weapons and dimorphism in the genus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae). J. Kansas Ent. Soc. 77: 528-557. (2.2 MB pdf)
• Kidd, M.G. and R.W. Longair. 1997. Abundance and diversity of ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages in regenerating forests of northern Saskatchewan. Can. Field Nat. 111: 635-637.
• Longair, R.W. 1987. Mating behavior at floral resources in two species of Pseudomasaris (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 89: 759-769.
• Longair, R.W., J.H. Cane and L. Elliot. 1987. Male competition and mating behavior within mating aggregations in Glenostictia satan Gillaspy (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). J. Kansas Entomol. Soc. 60(2): 264-272.
• Longair, R.W. 1985. Male behavior in Euparagia richardsi Bohart (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Pan-Pac. Entomol. 61: 318-320.
• Longair, R.W. 1981. Sex ratio variations in xylophilous aculeate Hymenoptera. Evolution 35: 597-600.