Can we study the 'when', 'where', and, 'why', without knowing the 'who' and 'what'? A taxonomist and an ecologist might answer this question differently, but my research aims to address all of the 5W's in each of my studies. To identify similar looking ectoparasites, I have developed a skillset in the morphological identification of cymothoid isopods and paired my morphological data with molecular data. In doing so, I have described 7 new species of cymothoids from Africa, including a new genus, and 1 new species from the Caribbean. By being able to link the 'who' with the other "W's", we can provide a more complete and accurate understanding of parasite biology and host–parasite interactions.
Bambalocra intwala is a new species and the only representative species of the new genus Bambalocra.