Nature Revealed: Intro to Entomology

Insects are by far the most diverse and numerous animals in the world. There are more than 900,000 species worldwide! From tiny, hidden bark beetles to showy moths with six-inch wingspans, insects come in a bewildering variety of shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. This class will give you an introduction to entomology – the study of insects. It is designed to help you get started identifying species that you may find in the Arboretum. We’ll learn about insect anatomy, their sometimes complex life cycles, and helpful tools for identification. After that, we will walk the trails and test out our new skills.

Class schedule: about 60 minutes in the classroom and 60 minutes of walking, depending on the weather. Wear walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Feel free to bring your camera and a pair of binoculars (we’ll have some binoculars available to borrow).

Instructor bio: Chris Garza is a member of the Houston Arboretum conservation team and a Texas Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist. He has a Masters in Forestry from Texas A&M, where he studied bark beetles. He is also an enthusiastic insect collector.