Insects you'll Miss Them When They're Gone 3-27-2023
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Insects you'll Miss Them When They're Gone 3-27-2023
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Insects you'll Miss Them When They're Gone 3-27-2023
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Insects you'll Miss Them When They're Gone 3-27-2023
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Insects you'll Miss Them When They're Gone 3-27-2023
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Next Meeting Monday 3-27-2023 at 7:00pm Title: Insects You'll Miss Them When They're Gone
Presented by Jessica Beckham -Associate Professor University of Texas at San Antonio.
Presentation Description: It is estimated that there are over 1 billion insects for every human on this planet! Have you ever wondered just what they are all doing here, and why we have to deal with them? Let's face it -- the numerous services that beneficial insects provide to us are often overshadowed by the annoyances caused by "pesty" species. In this talk you will gain an appreciation for some of the unsung heroes of the insect world such as dung beetles, ants, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps as we discuss their biology, roles in ecosystems, and their benefits to humans. We will also look at some of the recent studies that have led to headlines proclaiming that we are in the midst of an "insect apocalypse," as well as how our everyday actions can help these critically important organisms.
Bio of Yourself: Jessica Beckham is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Integrative Biology department at the University of Texas at San Antonio; there she teaches entomology and zoology courses, primarily for environmental science majors. Her background includes broad training in entomology with a focus on the conservation of native Texas bumble bees. She is also a proponent of making science accessible to all through citizen science initiatives and is an active member of the iNaturalist community.
