Felix Sperling

Felix Sperling is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on insect systematics, evolution, and biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Coleoptera (beetles). He leads the Sperling Lab, which integrates molecular genetics, morphological analysis, and computational tools to study speciation, phylogenetics, and conservation.

Current projects include investigating mountain pine beetles, spruce budworms, and swallowtail butterflies, with applications to pest management and biodiversity preservation. Courses taught include BIOL 335 (Principles of Systematics), ENT 327 (Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity), and ENT 527 (Advanced Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity).

His lab trains students in taxonomy and genomics, with recent alumni including Leah Jackson (MSc 2024), Oksana Vernygora (PhD 2020), and Victor Shegelski (PhD 2020). The lab’s work frequently involves collaborations with museums and conservation agencies, leveraging natural history collections and genomic data to address ecological and evolutionary questions.

Notable achievements include groundbreaking studies on species delimitation in butterflies and beetles, as well as the development of interactive tools for taxonomic analysis. The lab has also contributed to understanding the genetic basis of dispersal in forest pests like the mountain pine beetle.