In this course students will learn about the basic anatomy of insects, and how to tell them apart from other desert arthropods. We will also review the many insect orders and families found in the East Mojave Desert region. Some of these local insects have some very interesting stories to tell! Specimens in a demonstration collection will be examined. Mimicry, the use of pheromones, fluorescence, and other important survival traits will be discussed. We will spend time in the field to observe diurnal (day active) insects and examine them up close, using a variety of different catch-and-release collecting methods such as pit traps, light traps, and aerial nets. Some of the insects will be hiding in the leaf litter or on leaves, while others will be flying around and nectaring on flowering plants. The instructor will provide all the necessary equipment. As we walk around the Desert Studies Center and explore a local Joshua Tree ecosystem during a Saturday field trip, we will examine the different habitats and behaviors of insects that we encounter and discuss the various adaptations that enable insects to survive in this harsh desert environment. After dark we will move outside and examine insects that are attracted to the lights that we set up earlier. Ultraviolet lights and mercury vapor lamps will be used on the border of two different habitats: riparian and desert. Different insects will appear at different times: those that are active just after sunset are referred to as crepuscular and those that fly in complete darkness are nocturnal. Still others do not fly until a few hours after nightfall, so patience is required! We’ll also use handheld ultraviolet lights to search for glowing scorpions – two different species will be encountered and you’ll learn to tell them apart. A powerpoint presentation will introduce you to some of the more notable insects and other arthropods that are often encountered in the East Mojave Desert. Teachers and docents will find this information especially valuable. The fascinating world of insects awaits you!

Approved