Michael Jared Thomas

Michael Jared Thomas is a Senior Scientific Specialist at the Illinois State Geological Survey, University of Illinois. His research focuses on paleontology, entomology, and evolutionary biology, with a specialization in Orthoptera and Hemiptera taxonomy, amber-preserved fossils, and biogeography.

• Key research areas: Paleontology, Entomology, Evolutionary Biology, Taxonomy, Biogeography
• Geological periods: Eocene, Miocene

His recent publications highlight studies on insect evolution in Baltic and Zhangpu amber, phylogenetic analysis of Membracoidea, and biogeographic discoveries in Colorado. Collaborations span institutions in East Asia and Europe.

Latest findings:

• 2024: Evolution of reduced tegmenula in Tetrigidae
• 2023: Exceptionally preserved Orthoptera in Colorado
• 2022: New Hemiptera subfamily classification
• 2021: Miocene rainforest biodiversity in East Asia

His work has been cited 82 times for the Zhangpu biota study alone and is referenced across academic platforms.