Within the genomes of these creatures lies the secrets to their chemical and biological diversity.  With cutting edge genome sequencing technologies providing orders of magnitude lower costs and higher quality genomes than ever before, we will be able to produce complete genome sequences for hundreds, if not thousands of species and their internal microbes which will be critical data for decades of discovery.  This endeavor will have great synergy with a number of other groups seeking to sequence the genomes of all life on earth.

Our target group of insects for this project, phasmids, are a relatively small (4,000 species) yet extremely diverse group with chemical defense systems which are easily analyzed yet extremely under-studied. In the future our organization plans to sequence the genomes of all phasmid species on earth. Thus, this work will elucidate potentially valuable biological resources derived from these animals while laying a substantial foundation for future studies of thousands of other insect genomes and their bioproducts. An initial case study will provide a broad catalyst to inspire more substantial efforts to explore insects as subjects for bioprospecting as sources of pharmaceutical lead compounds, enzymes and other valuable bioproducts. The project’s educational outreach component will further infuse an appreciation for careers in science, particularly toward inspiring the next generation of scientists to pursue elucidation of the biological wonders which insects possess as well as an appreciation for protecting our valuable natural world.

• Various forms of reproduction, including sexual and parthenogenesis.
• Some that possess wings and can fly, and some without wings entirely.
• A diverse array of defense mechanisms such as chemical excretion and sprays as well as physical defenses such as loud noises, elaborate defensive displays, and leg spines.
• Some with camouflage while others are brightly colored and aposematic.
• They exist on every continent, yet are most prevalent and diverse in tropical regions, with Southeast Asia containing the highest phasmid diversity.
• Large body size for obtaining large amounts of genomic DNA, RNA and other molecular samples. Phasmids are some of the largest insects on earth with the largest eggs of any insect.
• Long life/longevity for observing behaviors and biological processes over time.
• Very easy to culture and very charismatic for educational and conservation efforts.
• Diversity of age ranges, from a few months to 2-3+ years.

For at least 15 years, our leadership has conducted extensive studies on insect chemistry, biochemistry, ecology, and husbandry (breeding and rearing) all of which form the basis of the foundation of ISI’s initial research program. We have published numerous peer reviewed research articles on the chemistry, biosynthesis and biology of stick insects (“Phasmids”; Order Phasmatodea; Class Insecta) which you can see at the links below. Our team has collectively bred, reared, cultured and studies hundreds of species of insects and other invertebrates and knows what it takes to build a facility to keep over 1,000 species on display and contributing to research which is at the core of ISI’s goals and mission.

Our scientists have substantial backgrounds in many fields of research including biomedical research, drug discovery, natural products chemistry, entomology, genomics, genetic engineering, NMR, field biology, food science, as well as many years of entrepreneurial experience.