State Museum Of Natural History Research Articles

Cryptophagidae (Coleoptera) in the collections of Ukraine: Species, Specimens, and Collectors

The collections of Cryptophagidae beetles stored in the natural museums of Ukraine were studied: three academic and two university collections – State Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Natural History and I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Zoological Museum of T. Shevchenko Kyiv National University and Museum of Natural History of V. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and also author’s work collection. The volumes and the state of their preservation have been analyzed. The representation of different species in collections, as a whole, and in relation to the Carpathian fauna is evaluated. In general, museum collections contain 1346 samples of Cryptophagids, in each of which – about 210-340 individuals, all of them are stored in separate boxes and punctured by entomologic needles. The author's collection includes 1657 specimens of 57 species, which are mostly stored on cotton mattresses. All six collections include 122 species of 16 genera, containing from 21 to 85 species of this family. Some samples in collections have been lost for various reasons, in 10 cases there are only needles with labels without the samples themselves, therefore, some species (eg Cryptophagus nitidulus, C. hexagonalis) are represented in collections conditionally, only in labels. At the revision of materials attention is paid to taxonomic changes, through which in the publications and in the actual material different species or generic synonymic names were used. The author also took into account the uniqueness of each of the collections, which was determined by several important parameters, including the number of samples that are presented exclusively in some of the museum of species and genera of the family, the number of samples and type specimens in collection. For most of these parameters the leader is the collection of Zoological Museum of T. Shevchenko Kyiv National University. All data is included in the author's database, which contains summaries of annotations containing collections of samples, names of regions and localities of collection, dates, collectors, or owners of the collection, and also notes with clarifications of places or details of reidentifications.

New Oriental and Australasian taxa of Colobathristidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the collection of the State Natural History Museum Stuttgart

Abstract The Colobathristidae are a poorly studied family of Lygaeoidea distributed in the tropics and subtropics of Australasian, Neotropical, and Oriental biogeographic regions. Phaenacantha Horváth, 1904 is the largest genus of the family, with 33 described species. Here, two new species of Phaenacantha are described from Borneo (P. grimmae sp. nov. and P. nigrispina sp. nov.) and one from New Caledonia (P. paveli sp. nov.), all of which represent the first record of the genus from these islands. Also, a specimen of genus Symphylax Horváth, 1904 from Borneo is described that has strong similarities to S. handschini Kormilev, 1953 from the same island, but differs from it in some minor features and is considered a new subspecies, S. handschini kinabaluensis subsp. nov.

Рідкісні види мохоподібних високогір’я Українських Карпат: Мармароський і Чорногірський хребти

In general, for high mountains part of Chornohora and Marmaros ranges 27 species are known from the official lists, which is based on the results of own researches, herbarium sources (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LW), State Natural History Museum of the National аcademy of sciences of Ukraine (LWS) and literary sources. There are 27 rare species of Chornohora range, among them five species of Marchantiophyta and 22 of Bryophyta, while five species from Bryophyta are known for the high mountains of Marmaros range. During recent years, the species Scapania helvetica Gottsche, S. verrucosa Heeg, Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Mitt.) Hedenäs, Pohlia elongata Hedw have been found. Among the region-rare species for the territory of Chornohora were confirmed localities for Bryophyta: Hygrohypnum duriusculum (De Not.) D.W. Jamieson, Lescuraea radicosa (Mitt.) Mönk., Sciuro-hypnum reflexum (Starke) Ignatov et Huttunen., Syntrichia virescens (De Not.) Ochyra, for the high mountains of Marmaros – Cephalozia pleniceps (Aust.) Lindb (Marchantiophyta). Of the 76 species of the Arctic-Alpine element in the flora of mosses, recently have been found: Marchantiophyta: Barbilophozia sudetica (Nees ex Hübner) L. Söderstr., De Roo et Hedd., Gymnomitrion concinnatum (Lightf.) Corda, Moerckia blyttii (Morch) Brockm. , Scapania subalpina (Nees et Lindenb.) Dumort., Bryophyta: Blindia acuta (Hedw.) Bruch et Schimp., Grimmia incurva Schwägr., Hymenoloma crispulum (Hedw.) Ochyra, Hypnum callichroum Brid., H. vaucheri Lesq., Kiaeria blyttii (Bruch et Schimp.) Broth., K. starkei (Web. et Mohr) Hag., Oligotrichum hercynicum (Hedw.) Lam. et DC., Philonotis seriata Mitt., Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm., P. sexangulare (Brid.) G.Sm., Tortella tortuosa (Hedw.) Limpr., Tortula hoppeana (Schultz) Ochyra. Research of mosses of the high mountains of Chornogora and Marmaros ranges showed significant changes in composition of species. In the last decade there were not found some of rare species, both with the status of officially, and with the regionally rare. Further detailed study of the species composition of mosses of high mountains, the state of populations of species will enable the development of scientifically based recommendations for conservation of rare species.

Методичні підходи до визначення розміру охоронної ділянки навколо гнізда лелеки чорного Ciconia Nigra (L.)

Наприкінці 2016 р. у законодавче поле України введено поняття охоронної ділянки навколо гнізд рідкісних видів птахів, зокрема занесеного до Червоної книги України (2009) лелеки чорного Ciconia nigra (L.). Радіус ділянки для усіх видів визначено за європейськими стандартами, однак для лелеки він збільшений удвічі, до радіуса 1000 м навколо гнізда впродовж усього року. У 2006-2018 рр. проведено дослідження чисельності, поширення, біотопних преференцій та гніздової біології виду на території Українського Полісся (Волинська, Рівненська, Житомирська, Київська, Чернігівська та Сумська області) та подальший моніторинг гніздової біології чорного лелеки на Західному Поліссі (Волинська та Рівненська області). Дослідженнями доведено, що радіус 1000 м навколо гнізда є надмірним і недоцільним. Першою хибою такого підходу є відсутність врахування сезонності під час створення охоронної ділянки, другою – надмірний радіус. Обґрунтовано оптимальні розміри охоронної ділянки навколо гнізда лелеки чорного. Доведено, що 54 % гнізд розташовані не далі ніж 200 м від краю лісу. Важливість для виду 500-метрової ділянки лісу навколо гнізда підтверджують і білоруські науковці. За їхніми даними, у 83,3 % випадків на цій території знаходиться присід чорного лелеки, який птахи використовують для оцінювання безпеки підльоту до гнізда. Враховуючи сезонність, рекомендовано створювати охоронні ділянки з двох частин – ділянки суворої охорони (радіусом не менше 100 м довкола гнізда) та ділянки сезонної охорони (радіусом не менше 500 м). Ділянка суворої охорони діє впродовж усього року і в ній заборонено будь-яку діяльність, навіть перебування людей. На ділянці сезонної охорони заборонено будь-яку діяльність з 15 березня по 30 липня. На лісових дорогах і просіках, що проходять через ділянку суворої охорони, рекомендуємо встановлювати попереджувальні аншлаги. Роботи здійснено в рамках проекту "Ciconia-Ukraina", який реалізується Західноукраїнським орнітологічним товариством та Державним природознавчим музеєм НАН України, за фінансової підтримки Фонду "Ciconia" (Ліхтенштейн).

Basics of the external communication of State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine

The main tendencies of development of communication strategies of the leading natural history museums of the world are considered. Based on the Strategy for the Development of State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine, the main goals, tasks and channels of communication with the main segments of the audience of the museum are developed.

Mole (Talpa europaea L., 1758) in funds of the State Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine

The natural collection (n = 280 specimens) of the mole (Talpa europaea L., 1758) from the collections of the State Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine was studied. The main material was collected in May-August by 23 collectors during the period 1868-1998. Morphometry of 86% of mole specimens was carried out, 52% of the individuals were weighed before preparation, the sex was set at 81% of individuals, and the age – 73%. Natural mole from the museum's funds are extracted or found in Bulgaria (1 gathering place) and six regions of West of Ukraine (30 collection sites). The ratio of the sexes of mole individuals, exhibits which are stored in the museum's funds, is 1.0 : 0.7 (♂ : ♀), age groups – 1.0 : 0.3 (ad. : subad.).

History of formation and modern structure of the bryolological herbarium of the State Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine

The history of formation of the bryological herbaria of the State Natural History Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is considered. Many collectors and scientists-botanists took part in the formation of the main scientific fund of the bryological herbaria, among them A. Lazarenko, K. Ulychna, V. Melnichuk, M. Slobodian and others. The article contains a list of samples of bryophytes, which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine. Rare samples (including doublets and exsiccates) are described from territories of other countries, as well as specimens dating to the end of the 19th century.

Academician N.I. Vavilov in the chronotope of the guest book of State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine

The book of visitors to the of State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine preserved the signature of Academician N.I. Vavilov from August 1, 1940. And the time of the appearance of the autograph, and the subsequent tragic events associated with the fate of the great scientist, give him a visit to the old Lviv׳s museum of special meaning and special social science value. The article makes a thorough review of the events and participants of the last period of life of N.I. Vavilov.

Reidentification of "Ring-tailed Harrier" (Circus) from ornithological collection of the State Museum of Natural History

The paper contains analysis of 42 museum items of 3 species of harriers: Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (Linnaeus, 1766), Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (S.G. Gmelin, 1771) and Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus (Linnaeus, 1758). These species can be difficult to identify. We reidentified 23 items with description of the species, sex and age

Колектори фонду ссавців Державного природознавчого музею НАН України 1900 1930-х років

Колектори фонду ссавців Державного природознавчого музею НАН України 1900 1930-х років

Morningness-eveningness in a large sample of German adolescents and adults.

People differ in their sleep-wake behavior. This individual difference is conceptualized in different aspects, such as wake up times, bed times, times of peak performance, as well as in morning affect. A total of 14,987 visitors of an exhibition in the LWL State Museum of Natural History, Münster (Germany), did the survey on chronotype and gave their consent that these data can be used for a scientific study. Age groups were coded into 5-year bins. Mean age (mean ± SD) was 28.2 ± 17.5 years. There were 8075 females (54%) and 6912 males in the sample. The German version of the rMEQ (reduced Morningness-Eveningness-Questionnaire) was used for data collection. The data showed clear age effects. Younger children are more morning oriented and become rapidly evening oriented during puberty, while the more attenuated turn towards morningness occurs from the age of 20 years. Then between the ages 25 to 30 morningness-eveningness remained rather stable. Significant gender differences existed in the reproductive age, i.e., the age groups 20 to 50 (corresponding to the age 16–50 years). In other age groups, no gender differences could be detected. Seasonal effects were also found. Chronotype score was lowest during the summer months (and more evening oriented). Based on the single item analysis of the five questions of the rMEQ, we found age group differences in all items. Gender differences occurred in all items except item 1, which deals with the preferred wake-up time. Men always scored significantly lower (i.e. more evening oriented) than women except in item 2 (tiredness after awakening). Seasonal effects were only significant in item 3, which is related to preferred bed times. People showed a later bed time preference during summer. The classification of chronotypes according to the cut-off scores provided by Adan and Almirall (1991) and by using the 20/80 percentile provided identical cut-off scores (values of 11 and below for evening types and 18 and above for morning types).

Rediscovery of the complete type series of the White-striped Forest Wallaby Dorcopsis hageni Heller, 1897 in the collections of the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe

The complete type series of the White-striped Forest Wallaby Dorcopsis hageni Heller, 1897 comprising the skin of a female as well as skin and skull of a male specimen has been rediscovered in the vertebrate collections of the State Natural History Museum Karlsruhe (SMNK). The skin of the male has been transformed into a mounted specimen at the turn of the 20th century, with has remained broadly unnoticed in the literature. The catalogue of the mammal collections of the SMNK as well as an original label indicates that Erima, not Stephansort, is the type locality of the species. The skull of the type series has been labelled “Dorcopsis dorsolineata Heller”, but there is no evidence that this name has ever been published.

Evidence of the repeated penetration of Cryptomphalus aspersa (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Helicidae) into the territory of Eastern Europe

The literature sources and collection materials providing evidence of the repeated penetration of the land mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa into the territory of Eastern Europe are analyzed. In the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, mollusks of this species were found in the Crimea (Feodosia), Northern Black Sea coastal region (Odessa, Kherson), and even in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine (in the vicinity of Vinnitsa). The latter finding is verified by a shell from the malacological collection of the State Museum of Natural History, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Apparently, the intentional or accidental introduction of C. aspersa into the territory of Eastern Europe continued, but there are still no data confirming the formation of stable colonies. The finding of two specimens in the town of Vinogradov (Transcarpathian region of Ukraine) made by one of the authors of this paper in 2014 is an example of unintentional delivery of this species.

How to date a dragonfly: Fossil calibrations for odonates

Molecular data along with fossils are being used increasingly to recover time-calibrated phylogenetic trees. Recently there have been manuscripts that have used divergence dating to understand evolutionary history of certain clades within Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), yet the number of such articles is still low. We examined the Odonata fossil record and made a list of fossils that can be used for divergence time analysis. In this manuscript we provide a detailed review of the known crown group fossils for the order Odonata and nine nodes within this clade: Zygoptera, Epiprocta, Anisoptera, Aeshnidae, Gomphidae, Cavilabiata, Macromiidae, Corduliidae, and Libellulidae. Manpreet Kaur Kohli. Rutgers University, 195 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. mkk24@njit.edu Jessica L. Ware. Rutgers University, 195 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. jware@amnh.org Gunter Bechly. Department of Paleontology, State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany. guenter.bechly@smns-bw.de (corresponding author)

Symposium on the “Magnitude of Molluscan Diversity — the Known and the Unknown”

The symposium formed part of the 78 Annual Meeting of the American Malacological Society in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and was held on 19 and 20 June 2012. While everyone talks about biodiversity we asked the basic question: What do we know about molluscan diversity? Or even more simply: How many species of molluscs exist today? A simple question to ask but diffi cult to answer. Of course, this question is not a new one, but ever rising threats to our environment and thus, habitats of molluscs render it more urgent than ever to know what lives on our earth and what will we lose. Land and freshwater molluscs are among the most endangered groups worldwide (Lydeard et al. 2004, Regnier et al. 2009). More recent comprehensive estimates of molluscan diversity suggest the number of described species at 31,000 non-marine and 52,500 marine, but the number of yet unknown diversity may be roughly one third to more than an equal amount (Lydeard et al. 2004, Bouchet 2006). The symposium title refl ects these two aspects while the “known” refers to described species rather than implies that their number is known considering the often unknown share of synonyms among available names. The goal of the symposium was to gather new data to narrow down a realistic estimate of the diversity of this second largest phylum in the animal kingdom and to reveal the progress made during the last few years. The 22 talks presented in Cherry Hill encompassed studies on special taxonomic groups, geographic areas as well as theoretical approaches like analyzing saturation curves, the portion of valid species versus synonyms, correlation to rarity, sampling methods, the amount of undescribed species in collections versus discovery by new fi eldwork, and last but not least elucidated the potential of new methods. The “unknown” stood for what remains to be discovered in terms of species not yet found in underexplored habitats and regions, species not yet recognized due to the lack of taxonomic expertise, revisionary works, and cryptic species. If the title was mirrored in two talks, Gary Rosenberg’s analyses of databases reducing the estimated diversity of described species to 70,000–76,000 represented the “known“ (this issue) while Philippe Bouchet certainly took the audience to the frontier of the “unknown“. Based on his tremendous exploration efforts in the tropical Indo-Pacifi c Bouchet assumed that only 30% of the molluscan diversity of this area is known. This already anticipates that despite some detailed approaches the latter aspect remains not only as undescribed diversity but still unknown in its extent. In terms of marine species, Rudiger Bieler questioned our knowledge of the molluscan fauna in the well known Florida Keys. Philippe Bouchet, as mentioned above, characterized the tropical Indo-Pacifi c as a treasure trove for new species and highlighted the phenomenon of a high percentage of species occurring in low abundances. Janet Voight evaluated the exploration of hydrothermal vent habitats (this issue). John Taylor, co-authored by Emily Glover, gave insight into the enormous diversifi cation of Lucinidae triggered by their obligate chemosymbiosis. Continuing with bivalves, Paul Valentich-Scott dug deep into the hyperdiverse group of Galeommatoidea which not only amaze us with their previously unexpected species diversity but even more by their range of unusual lifestyles. Patrick LaFollette described the attempt to catalogue the published taxa of the megadiverse family Pyramidellidae resulting in an estimated 10,000 names regardless of status. James McLean’s review of the Liotiidae and Areneidae more than doubles the known diversity and sampling still seems far from complete. Exposing the most cryptic groups, Timea Neusser and colleagues gave insights into the mesopsammic fauna and their underestimated diversity and ability to colonize unusual habitats (this issue, Jorger et al.). Moving from the least known to the best known, Fabio Moretzsohn reviewed the progress of cataloging the Cypraeidae (this issue). An equally attractive group but less popular among shell collectors, Terrence Gosliner described nudibranch exploration. Greatly supported by citizen scientists like scuba divers, Gosliner feels their role is not only in accelerating the discovery of new species but also in helping to monitor environmental changes. The contributions focusing on advances by the application of molecular techniques identifi ed signifi cant numbers of so-called cryptic species: Ellen Strong estimated the diversity of Cerithiidae two to three times higher than currently recognized. John Slapcinsky deduced equal ranges from his analyses of the land snail genera Tropidophora and Daedolochila (this issue, on Tropidophora). To the relief of less wellequipped biologists both pointed out that after recognizing the hidden species differentiating morphological characters Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany

Історія вивчення флори Крайових і Зовнішніх Ґорґан

The retrospective analysis of Marginal and External Gorgany flora’s history study from 19 th century up to now has been carried out. The literary and herbarium sour­ces (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LW), State Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine (LWS), Jagiellonian University (KRA), Władysław Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences (KRAM)), the largest number of were collected by J. Berko, Т. Kuzyarin, J. Mądalski, K. Маlynovs’kyj) were taken into consideration. Nowadays, the inventory and generalized analyses of vascular plants flora of region is absent. Therefore, the results of studies in forestry, nature conservation, phytosociology and history of vegetation cover have been used as sources of indirect information about studied subject. Two periods of investigation were classificated by K. Маlynovs’kyj, 2005: pre-ukrainian (includes Austro-Hungarian, Polish-Czechoslovakian-Romanian subperiods, 1772–1939) and Ukrainian period (since 1939). The largest part of data on flora of the Marginal and External Gorgany were obtained during the Ukrainian period. The objectives of study of regional flora are analysed. Habitats of rare plant species require moni­toring applying modern methods. Special attention should be paid to flora of alokhton part, specifically, invasive species. Estimation of the most valuable territories and working out of effective measures of protection and ma­na­gement are urgent. Keywords: history of flora’s study, the Marginal Gorgany, the External Gorgany, vascular plants.

A Nearly Complete Ornithocheirid Pterosaur from the Aptian (Early Cretaceous) Crato Formation of NE Brazil

A partial ornithocheirid, representing a rare example of a pterosaurian body fossil from the Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation, NE Brazil, is described from the collections of the State Museum of Natural History, Karlsruhe. While similar in preservation and taphonomy to Arthurdactylus conandoylei, it is distinguished by slight differences in biometric ratios, but the absence of a skull prevents closer identification. Mostly complete body fossils belonging to ornithocheiroid pterosaurs appear to be relatively more abundant in the younger Romualdo Member of the Santana Formation, making the described specimen one of only two well documented ornithocheiroids known from the Nova Olinda Lagerstatte.

The North Alpine Foreland Basin: Special Volume of the 2008 Molasse Meeting

, U. (2009): The North Alpine Foreland Basin: SpecialVolume of the 2008 Molasse Meeting. – N. Jb. Geol. Palaont. Abh., 254 : 1–4; Stuttgart.Abstract: The North Alpine Foreland Basin is a classic area for integrative sedimentological andpalaeontological studies of a dynamic Cenozoic basinal setting characterized by rapidly changingmarine and terrestrial conditions. This special publication includes ten contributions presented atthe 2008 Molasse Group meeting at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany. Thecontributions include various aspects of sedimentology, vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology,micropalaeontology, stratigraphy, biogeography and palaeoclimatology of the Lower FreshwaterMolasse (USM), Upper Marine Molasse (OMM) and Upper Freshwater Molasse (OSM). In thisintroduction: 1) a short resume of the activities of the Molasse Group is followed by 2) an intro -duction to the scientific contributions, and by 3) an outlook for future scientific research.Key words: Molasse Sea, North Alpine Foreland Basin, Oligocene, Miocene, Paratethys, palaeonto-logy, sedimentology.

Caddis flies (Insecta: Trichoptera) in the collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv

SZCZESNY B., GODUNKO R. J. 2007. Caddis flies (Insecta: Trichoptera) in the collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv. Acta zoologica cracoviensia, 50B(2): 27-43. Abstract. The collection includes 1429 specimens representing 177 species/subspecies; 159 specimens belonging to 32 species are determined herein, and determinations of fur- ther 174 specimens of 54 species are corrected. The largest share of caddis flies were col- lected, identified and prepared by J. DZIEDZIELEWICZ from the second half of 19 th century to 1916. All specimens had been originally preserved dry but were moved to alcohol prior to the current identification. The collection comprises 177 specimens of all Carpathian species described by DZIEDZIELEWICZ (seven taxa), by KLAPALEK (three taxa) and by SCHMID (two taxa). Among them there are lectotypes of two species (Chionophylax czar- nohoricus (DZIEDZIELEWICZ), and Drusus carpathicus DZIEDZIELEWICZ (), syntypes of 2 taxa (Chionophylax subradiata KLAPALEK, Isogamus aequalis (KLAPALEK)), Apata- nia carpathica SCHMID. There are also 33 paralectotypes representing six species and 33 specimens of five species with the status locus typicus. A list of incorrectly identified or labelled taxa is presented.

IN MEMORIAM: ROXIE COLLIE LAYBOURNE, 1910–2003

identification expert for 40 years, bird-skinning teacher, mentor, renaissance woman, natural historian, educator, and sports car enthusiast, Roxie Collie Laybourne died on 7 August 2003 at her home in Manassas, Virginia. Known as the Feather Lady, Roxie pioneered the field of forensic ornithology at the Smithsonian Institution by studying the detailed microscopic structures of plumulaceous (downy) feather barbules and creating a technique of identifying species of birds from fragmentary feather samples. Her methods are now used throughout the world to identify birds involved in collisions with aircraft (birdstrikes) and are routinely applied to studies of prey remains, evidence from criminal cases, and anthropological artifacts. She worked long hours, weekends and holidays, and never took a vacation-believing that if you love what you do, there is no need for time off. Her career in ornithology and species identification benefited numerous agencies, including the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); National Park Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Bureau of Customs; Federal Aviation Administration; and National Transportation Safety Board. On the basis of data provided by Roxie, aircraft have been redesigned, airport biologists have improved their techniques for reducing birdstrikes, and many people have gained a greater appreciation of birds and the natural world. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 15 September 1910, Roxie grew up in Farmville, North Carolina, the eldest of 15 children. She graduated from Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1932 with a degree in mathematics and general science. In 1950, Roxie received a Master's degree in Botany from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., completing a thesis on mosses. Before joining the Smithsonian Institution, Roxie worked for H.H. Brimley at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural History in Raleigh as a taxidermist and collector. She also worked at the National Fisheries Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina. It was during those years that she transformed her love of natural history, museum collections, and ornithology into a career. In 1944, Alexander Wetmore, acting Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, encouraged Roxie to come to Washington, D.C. for a short-term appointment in the Bird Division at the National Museum of Natural History, with taxidermist Watson Perrygo and curator Herbert Friedmann. From 1946 to the late 1980s, Roxie continued her work at the Smithsonian with the USFWS Bird and Mammal Laboratory (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center). Even though Roxie retired from the USFWS in 1988, her professional life was far from over. She continued her feather identification work as a Research Associate with the Smithsonian until her death. Throughout her career, Roxie's ingenuity was apparent in all her projects. In the early 1960s, she developed a technique for sexing Whooping Cranes for the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center -an important process for recovery and management efforts to save that endangered species. During her early years with USFWS, under the direction of John Aldrich, Roxie began her first feather identification services. She developed a technique to identify species of birds from feathers using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in combination