Join the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) and the Connecticut Entomological Society (CES) to hear well-known entomologist and UConn professor, Dr. David L. Wagner discuss the causes and consequences of—and potential solutions to—global insect declines.

Recently profiled by Elizabeth Kolbert in The New Yorker, Dr. Wagner is a professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at UConn, who has worked on the biosystematics, ecology, and conservation of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) for decades. His guidebook to the caterpillars of the Eastern USA, published in 2005 and now in its 10^th printing, is a definitive resource for entomologists and caterpillar enthusiasts.

Most animal species on Earth are insects and they play essential ecological roles everywhere—insects are “the little things that rule the world” (according to famed biologist E. O. Wilson). However, we still know so little about them. Wagner aims to inspire all to look more closely at the little animals that surround us: they contain a beauty and ecosystem significance that we usually overlook, to our own detriment.

Drawing on his extensive expertise on insect biodiversity, Dr. Wagner will draw attention to the heterogenous nature of insect declines (and increases). The talk will highlight which human-caused stressors most greatly affect insect biodiversity decline, with particular focus on loss of rain forests, agriculture, and changing global climate (with droughts identified as being particularly problematic). Wagner will end with a discussion of the kinds of actions individuals can take to protect insect biodiversity and the important ecosystem services they provide.

This public presentation is co-hosted by the CSMNH and CES, as part of the CES’s monthly meeting. The program will take place at the University of Connecticut, in Room 130 of the Biology/Physics Building at 91 N. Eagleville Rd, Storrs CT. Presentation begins at 7:30pm, with a pre-meeting social starting at 6:30pm.

The CSMNH highlights Connecticut’s rich natural and cultural heritage to inspire wonder in and appreciation of the natural world. Our continuing mission is to engage diverse communities across the state, create transformative experiences with nature for individuals of all ages, and generate new resources and knowledge through discovery. More information about the Museum can be found on their website at https://csmnh.uconn.edu. The purpose of the CES is to promote insect research, conservation, and outreach. CES has meetings during the academic year on the 3rd Friday of every month, except December. More information about the CES and their meetings can be found on their website at https://www.ctentsoc.org/.

This event is FREE and open to the public! Visit https://csmnh.uconn.edu/programs for more information.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or [email protected] by Friday February 16, 2024.

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History is part of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Connecticut.