59Akito Kawahara is the Director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, a Curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and a Professor at the University of Florida. He began his tenure as Director of the McGuire Center in 2023, overseeing one of the world's largest collections of butterflies and moths, with over 10 million specimens. His work involves managing research projects, fostering educational initiatives, and engaging with donors to support the center’s mission to advance the understanding of Lepidoptera.
Kawahara’s research is focused on Lepidoptera, a diverse group of insects that includes over 160,000 species of butterflies and moths. His scientific interests center on understanding these insects' genetic and behavioral traits, particularly their survival strategies. One of his primary areas of study is how moths produce ultrasound to protect themselves from bats, which use echolocation to hunt at night. By exploring this unique form of defense, he aims to understand better the evolutionary processes that shape these insects’ survival mechanisms.
In addition to studying predator-prey interactions, Kawahara’s lab investigates the broader question of insect diversity. His team explores how behaviors such as being active during the day or at night affect the evolution of different species. He uses various scientific techniques, including phylogenetic analysis, genomics, and behavioral studies, to explore why many insect species exist and how they evolve. His research also examines the impact of human activity, including habitat loss and light pollution, on the behavior and survival of Lepidoptera.
Kawahara has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to entomology. Among his honors are the John Henry Comstock Award from the Entomological Society of America and the Alexander B. Klots Award from the Lepidopterists’ Society. He has also led 20 major research grants totaling over $13 million in funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation. These funds have supported his extensive research into the evolution of moths and butterflies and their interactions with predators.
With more than 200 peer-reviewed publications to his name, Kawahara is a prolific scholar. His research has been published in leading scientific journals such as Science and PNAS. His studies on the evolution of Lepidoptera, the acoustic defenses of moths, and their interactions with echolocating bats have made significant contributions to entomology.
Kawahara’s work has also captured the attention of the media. He has appeared in numerous documentaries and television programs, including PBS’s American Spring Live and Nature’s Sex, Lies, and Butterflies. His research has been highlighted in The Washington Post and Smithsonian Magazine. In his TED Talk, “Why You Can Thank a Moth,” he shares how moths play essential roles in pollination and even contribute to medical and technological advancements despite their often negative reputation.
Beyond his research, Kawahara is passionate about educating the public, particularly schoolchildren. He frequently gives presentations to inspire young people to learn more about butterflies and moths, fostering a greater appreciation for these insects.
Kawahara holds an undergraduate degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. His doctoral research focused on the phylogenetics of leaf-mining moths.
Outside of his professional life, Kawahara enjoys basketball, tennis, billiards, and spending time with his two children. He is bilingual in Japanese and English, with additional skills in Spanish and Chinese. Growing up in New York City and Tokyo, his bicultural background has profoundly influenced his work and personal life.