Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. There are an estimated 5.5 million species accounting for 80% of animal life on earth and the most biomass of all terrestrial animals. When it comes to birds, 97% of all North American land birds rely on animal protein, largely insects, to raise their young. The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Insect Collection currently houses approximately 4.5 million prepared insect specimens from around the world as well as hundreds of historical field notebooks and audio recordings related to specimens in the collection. Join us for a presentation and tour of this wonderful resource.
Due to the nature of the space, we will be limiting the tour to 20 people and to Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society) members only and requiring registration. If there is space available the week prior to the event, we will open them to non-members. Memberships start at just $10 per year and go to great causes like environmental education, conservation, and scholarships for those in need. More information here.
Directions: Registered attendees will meet at University of Michigan Research Museums Center at 3600 Varsity Drive.