Dr. Aracely A. Newton | Research Profile

Our group is interested in understanding the genetic diversity of bumble bees and other insects. Our studies take place primarily on the John Rushin Prairie, a 36-acre reconstructed prairie located on MoWest’s campus. This prairie was established in 2020 and is a community-wide effect to grow plants that are native to the Midwest, including grasses and wildflowers.

Interest in bumble bees and/or genetic diversity.

This project is a collaborative ecological and community revitalization initiative transforming nearly 300 miles of western Missouri into a vibrant corridor for native pollinators—and a destination for travelers, families, and nature lovers. Following the full length of Highway 13 from Bethany in the north to Branson in the south, the project connects a network of native wildflower habitats planted along roadsides, parks, and public spaces across twelve counties.

Rooted in conservation and fueled by community partnerships, this trail reimagines how infrastructure, small towns, and natural ecosystems can thrive together. Whether you’re exploring Missouri’s rural backroads or looking to contribute to habitat restoration, the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail offers a scenic, educational, and deeply impactful experience.

Interest in native plants, prairies, pollinators or grassland ecology.

• Newton, A.A, Wilson, T.*, and Burandt, C.*. Video Surveillance of Bumble Bee- and Lepidopteran-Plant Interactions on a Reconstructed Missouri Prairie. Prairie Naturalist (56) 2024, 42-55.
  • * indicates student author
• Ho, D.V., Tormey, D., Odell, A., Newton, A.A., Schnittker, R., Baumann D.P., Schroeder, M., Sigauke, R., Barley, A.J., and Baumann, P. Post-meiotic mechanism of facultative parthenogenesis in gonochoristic whiptail lizard species. eLife, 2024. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.97035
• Nabors, Murray and Newton, A.A., Life on Planet Earth, T. Beckley and J. Gulick (Eds.), Dubuque, IA: Great River Learning (2022).