The Butterfly Affect Realized
Students collect and appreciate insects in Dylan Shropshire's entomology course
Do bugs make you antsy? They certainly didn't for the 15 students in Dylan Shropshire's entomology course last semester. Students had the opportunity to explore the morphology, development, behavior, and ecology of our world's tiniest animals while gaining hands-on experience collecting them.
In addition to learning how to ethically source specimens, students explored how to identify and pin insects to mount them in a traditional exhibit case. While student collected outside of class time, the project grew into a community effort with over 70 people helping find critters. Some students took on the challenge of raising insects, allowing them to observe firsthand the often short lifecycles of these complex creatures.
In the Field
Beyond the classroom, Ray Kennedy '26, a biology and environmental sciences double major, taught students skills like identifying signs of yellow jackets and handling mantises in her role as president of Lehigh's BioBlitz Club. The club provides biodiversity education to both Lehigh and Bethlehem community members through interactive outdoor events. Under Kennedy's leadership, the club led entomology students and other Lehigh students on explorations of diverse habitats, from local streams and farms to South Mountain forest.
The club also taught students how to use iNaturalist and contributed to cataloging the biodiversity of Bethlehem. "I had an amazing time getting to show classmates some tips and tricks, but I also, more rewardingly, was able to use some of the supplies and the bugs I caught from the course to teach students were were unable to take the class how to collect, identify, and pin insects," says Kennedy.
"Our club will be running a workshop next semester that teaches students from start to finish the scientific value of a collection, how to create it, and how to maintain it so that people without the ability to take the class can still get a chance to learn."
Student Showcase
Hundreds of insects and artifacts took center stage in Innovation Hall for the end-of-semester showcase. Students worked hard throughout the fall to identify, preserve, and pin specimens, drawing dozens of attendees who came to see the culmination of their efforts.
Normally hidden from the naked eye, these insects were carefully arranged and labeled in frames, allowing viewers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world in all their creepy-crawly glory.
"This work inspired me to see insects as more than meets the eye, as essential influencers of both ecosystems and human society," says biology major Amelia Harralson '26. "And I hope it encourages others to approach insects with the same curiosity, respect, and care."
"Enhancing scientific literacy isn't just about reaching the students in our classes. It's about equipping them to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world in everyone they encounter," says Shropshire, assistant professor of biological sciences.
"When our students share their enthusiasm and knowledge with friends, family, roommates, and colleagues, they become ambassadors for science," he remarks, proving that small actions can lead to a big impact.