Special Topics Course:

Insect Natural History and Diversity

Biology 495-606 / 695-606. 2 Credits

SSI 2011 (May 16-June 18) 12 - 3:30PM M/W

Meets at The University of Akron Field Station (Bath Nature Preserve 4240 Ira Road)

Instructor: Dr. Randy Mitchell ,  330-972-5122

Click HERE for Syllabus

This course is intended to help you learn to identify major groups of  insects, and to learn their natural history.  You will learn the basics of making an insect collections, how to identify specimens using dichotomous keys, and how to do field work with insects, emphasizing the entomofauna of Northeastern Ohio.

Books:

·         REQUIRED:  Borror, D.J. & R.E.White 1970. A Field Guide to the Insects. Peterson field guide # 19, Houghton Mifflin

Optional:

• Triplehorn, CA & NF Johnson.  2004. Borror & Delong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects (7^th ed).
•  Dunn, Gary A.. 1996. Insects of the Great Lakes Region

Learn more about the two most abundant groups of living things!

·       Learn to identify common insects.

·       Learn to make and care for an insect collection

·       Explore how the natural history of insects affects Ohio’s Ecology.

·       Visit prominent natural areas of Ohio-  Bath Nature Preserve, CVNP, and others.

·       Develop Field Biology skills

Great for anyone interested in Biology and the outdoors, including student and practicing teachers.