Insects are one of the most successful groups of organisms on the planet, in terms of morphological and ecological diversity, numbers of species, and numbers of individuals.  In this tutorial, students will investigate the evolution, systematics, behavior, anatomy, and ecology of insects.  They will rely on the text by Borrer, Triplehorn, and Johnson to structure their studies, supplemented by readings from the primary and secondary literature.  Students will be making an insect collection that exhibits a wide taxonomic diversity of local insects (15 orders and 60 families), a variety of collection methods and locations, and a variety of presentation methods (e.g. pinning, pointing, wet preservation).  Students will also be designing and conducting a field ecology study on insects.  We will meet weekly to discuss readings; to engage in lab activities and demonstrations concerning collection methods, anatomy, and behavior; and to address questions about keying out specimens.  Evaluation will be based on the insect collection, participation during discussions of reading assignments, and the field ecology study.  The insect collection will be judged on the taxonomic diversity represented as well as neatness of presentation.  Assessment of the field ecology study will be based on experimental design, data collection effort, and an oral presentation of the study. 

Level:  Advanced.  Permission of Instructor Only.  Lab fee.$10