Field Entomology: Identification, Ecology, and Natural History

biol 365 - Great Lakes - May Session

This course explores the ecology, identification, and diversity of insects—the most abundant and diverse group of animals on earth. Emphasis is placed on both functional and taxonomic diversity, with a focus on common orders and families of insects found in North America. Students will develop field-based skills in collecting, preserving, and curating insect specimens, and will gain proficiency in using dichotomous keys and field guides for identification. Lectures, fieldwork, and lab sessions will examine insect life histories, ecological roles, and adaptations, while also addressing topics in insect conservation and applied entomology. This course is designed to satisfy organismal biology and field taxonomy requirements for The Wildlife Society’s Associate Wildlife Biologist® (AWB®) certification and is especially relevant for students pursuing careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and environmental education. (4 credits)

Field, Applied

Professor: Dr. David Hoekman

Knowledge Gained

Appreciate the phenomenal breadth of insect taxonomy and know the major orders and representative examples

Communicate the importance of insects as selective, stabilizing and potentially destructive components of ecosystems

Know the basic anatomy and physiology of insects

Comprehend ecological concepts / principles at the physiological, population, community and ecosystem levels

Skills developed

Learning to recognize a wide variety of insect Orders and Families

Sampling techniques for insects in aquatic and terrestrial settings

Microscope proficiency and insect identification

Familiarity with field biology

Use of waders and aquatic sampling equipment

Field Experiences

Au Sable Campus

Hartwick Pines State Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Pickerel Lake

Grass River Natural Area

Arcadia Dunes

Jordan River Valley

Au Sable River

Manistee River

Lost Lake

Bear Lake Bog