{"id":73809,"date":"2025-01-29T10:07:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T17:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/?p=73809"},"modified":"2025-01-29T10:07:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T17:07:01","slug":"club-spotlight-entomology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/club-spotlight-entomology\/","title":{"rendered":"Club Spotlight: Northern Arizona Entomology Club"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What to know<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who can participate: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Anyone passionate or curious about insects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meeting days: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every first Monday and third Friday of the month.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meeting time: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4 p.m. (Meeting days and times are subject to change)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meeting location: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Biological Sciences building, Room 146.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">About the club<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Northern Arizona Entomology Club is the one-stop hive for anyone itching to uncover fascinating facts about insects, from their classification to their behaviors to their indispensable roles in their environments. Through regular participation in Flagstaff\u2019s annual science festivals and hands-on demonstrations in local elementary schools, club members strive to prove bugs are anything but simply creepy and crawly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q&amp;A<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It was love at first sight for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jamie Ramirez<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a second-year doctoral student studying biology, when she dove into the beautiful, buzzing world of entomology as a child. Bugged by the limited avenues of insect studies in northern Arizona outside of NAU\u2019s entomology labs, she helped form the Northern Arizona Entomology Club in Fall 2023 and now serves as its president. Read on to learn more about the club\u2019s monthly get-togethers, how the Entomology Club takes care of its live specimens and Ramirez\u2019s favorite bug facts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tell us a bit about this club\u2019s history. How was it formed? What is your mission statement?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<a href=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_9443-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-73813\" src=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_9443-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg\" alt=\"Four Entomology Club members pose behind their club table, which is covered in insect terrariums and preserved bug specimens, at an outdoor science event.\" width=\"317\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/IMG_9443-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg 428w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/IMG_9443-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 317px) 100vw, 317px\" \/><\/a>he Northern Arizona Entomology Club was formed two years ago by another graduate student, Teagan Mulford, and me in the hopes that we could attract other like-minded entomophiles. We found there wasn\u2019t an existing space for many people with varying degrees of experience or interest in entomology to come together, ask questions, get help and connect with the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both of us had come from other institutions with a strong entomological presence, and we missed the camaraderie a club can provide. I also discovered that many of the students I taught as a teacher\u2019s assistant for the BIO 322L Entomology Lab truly enjoyed the course and wanted to continue studying insects. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With all these things considered, we formed the Northern Arizona Entomology Club and carefully crafted our mission statement with all our goals in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Northern Arizona Entomology Club seeks to inspire a sense of wonder for insects while reducing insect-associated fear and misinformation within the community at large. We aim to encourage ongoing research, curation and conservation of insects through volunteer work. Our ultimate goal is to create a sense of community within the club and encourage both professional and personal development through insect-focused activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What kinds of things does the Entomology Club do throughout the year, both at regular meetings and any other events?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our annual events include participating in the Science in the Park event in downtown Flagstaff in September and our night light collecting event in October at Oak Creek Canyon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">About every second and fourth Thursday or Friday of the month\u2014it varies on availability\u2014our outreach team visits local schools with our live and pinned specimens to teach students about insects. This includes a Q&amp;A session and interactive insect stations. These visits are geared toward teaching about the importance of insects and their incredible diversity at an elementary school level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the fall, we hosted semimonthly events on every first Monday and third Friday of the month. Our meeting times may be subject to change this semester. The Monday events are focused on curation. During these events, students learn the proper way to curate museum-quality insect collections and have the opportunity to curate the NAU Arthropod Collection. We also invite students who have curation projects for the BIO 322L Entomology Lab to come in for additional help outside of class. However, if you are looking for guidance in creating your collection, the Northern Arizona Entomology Club welcomes you with open arms. The Friday events are focused on sorting, in which students are led through different sorting methods using a variety of resources to aid in insect identification. Any additional news or business for the club is shared at the beginning of these events.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spring and summer will include more insect-collecting, games, crafts, movies and social events in conjunction with curation nights, so stay tuned!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How does the Entomology Club collect and care for its live specimens?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_1601-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-73812 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_1601-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a green hat holds out his hand toward an Entomology Club member to hold a bug specimen at the club's booth at an outdoor science event. \" width=\"332\" height=\"443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/IMG_1601-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg 428w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/IMG_1601-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/a>Half of the specimens have been collected during our time doing fieldwork in southern Arizona this past summer and the other half I\u2019ve purchased through private sellers. Currently, we have a praying mantis, two-spotted <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/assassin-bugs\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">assassin bugs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, walking sticks, darkling beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and giant tiger beetles. I feed all of them one to two times a week and check on their water levels and enclosures daily. The predators feed on a mix of live crickets, wax worms and mealworms. The detritivores feed on a variety of vegetables, fruits and \u201cbug burger\u201d mix or dog food as a protein source, and the herbivores feed primarily on romaine lettuce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why is it important, in your opinion, to have an outlet on campus for people to gather and discuss entomology outside of class?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I think that our entomology class is a fantastic resource, but it\u2019s only 16 weeks long. Our club provides a place that can continue from where the class left off and provide additional opportunities. It is also a safe place for students, including those who have not taken an entomology class, to come and be themselves. We are connected through our love and appreciation of these tiny creatures, and that bond has helped create lasting friendships. Insects themselves are misunderstood, and by gathering those who are passionate about them, we can team up to help dispel misinformation surrounding insects while lifting each other up in our academic and everyday lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are there any misconceptions about bugs that you are looking to combat through your work?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some misconceptions about insects include that they\u2019re all gross and will hurt you or spread disease, but that\u2019s just not true! Many insects aid in the pollination of our crops, eat insects that vector diseases, serve as bioindicators for pollution, break down materials for nutrient cycling in the soil and even help create materials for commercial use such as red dye and silk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you have a personal favorite bug or bug fact?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My favorite insects are stick and leaf insects. I love how they use extreme masquerade crypsis to look exactly like sticks and leaves! They even sway as parts of a plant would in the wind or stay still when touched. They are so gentle, and some species can even reproduce asexually. I love how unique and special they are.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">My favorite insect fact is that earwigs got their common name from the shape of their wings, not because they go into ears\u2014which they don\u2019t. They exhibit a fantastic example of maternal care. Mothers stay with their young until they can fend for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tell us about a favorite memory you have from your time in the Entomology Club.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20241017_212815.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-73815\" src=\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20241017_212815.jpg\" alt=\"Northern Arizona Entomology Club members pose in the dark with head lamps and nets during a bug collecting event. \" width=\"324\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/20241017_212815.jpg 480w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2025\/01\/20241017_212815-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 324px) 100vw, 324px\" \/><\/a>There are so many memories and more to be had! A few of my favorite moments during my time with the Entomology Club include having a student say that they used to fear insects but now really like them and want to learn more about them. They are now an active club member and work in an insect systematics lab on campus. Another memory is when the students from Thomas Elementary School told us how much they learned from us when we visited and that they wanted us to revisit them soon. A final memory is the positive response we received at our booth at the Science in the Park event this past September. So many families visited our booth, and some mothers had mentioned that they wanted their children to be familiar with insects and not be afraid of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are some things the Entomology Club has coming up that you\u2019re looking forward to and people should be excited about?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019re looking to continue building our outreach efforts with our local elementary schools. Fostering these types of relationships with the community is enriching and vital to boost awareness about how fantastic insects are. Until then, anyone is welcome to come to our meetings with an open mind, a love for the outdoors and a readiness to make new friends.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Find out more about the Northern Arizona Entomology Club\u2019s upcoming events by following @entomologyatnau on Instagram.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"search-results-excerpt-link\" href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/club-spotlight-entomology\/\">What to know Who can participate: Anyone passionate or curious about insects.\u00a0 Meeting days: Every first Monday and third Friday of the month.\u00a0 Meeting time: 4 p.m. (Meeting days and times are subject to change)\u00a0 Meeting location: The Biological Sciences building, Room 146.\u00a0 &nbsp; About the club The Northern Arizona Entomology Club is the one-stop&hellip;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":73814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1825],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-73809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-club-spotlight"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/96"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73809"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73809\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/73814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=73809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=73809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}