Richard Peigler

Dr. Richard Peigler is a Professor of Biology at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) since 1998. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Texas A&M University and previously worked as a high school teacher in South Carolina and as Curator of Entomology at the Denver Museum of Natural History. His expertise centers on wild silkmoths (Saturniidae), with a focus on taxonomy, phylogeny, hostplant ecology, and sericulture. He has collaborated internationally on silkmoth research and molecular genetics.

Education: B.S. in Horticulture (Clemson University), M.A. in Agricultural Education (Clemson University), Ph.D. in Entomology (Texas A&M University).

Research Interests: Dr. Peigler’s work spans wild silkmoth biology, including hostplant relationships, parasitoid interactions, and cultural applications of silk. He has authored/co-authored books and over 100 publications, including studies on species like Samia watsoni and Actias angulocaudata. His fieldwork includes expeditions to China, India, and Vietnam.

Teaching: Courses include BIOL 1401 (Diversity of Life), BIOL 4346 (Human Evolution), and BIOL 4450 (Entomology). He has led student study trips overseas.

Labs/Teams: Collaborations with institutions globally, including co-authoring research with undergraduates at UIW on topics like Hemileuca species biology and silk fiber analysis.