What happens when thousands of entomologists gather in one place? I’m at the 61st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) this week, so I can tell you first-hand! Over 3,500 entomologists are swarming into the Austin Texas Convention Center to talk about their research, network with buggy colleagues, and check out the latest insect swag. As much as I wish the research presentations were done as interpretive dance in homage to honey bees, most of the conference is researchers DRONE-ing on about new experiments they’ve done. Also, the trophallaxis part would be kind of gross.
The ANTics of the insect scientists include a type of Über-Nerd Insect Quiz Bowl, a juried art show, meetings where Society deals are done, and a lot of beer. Honestly, the only constant element between every professional society meeting that I’ve ever been at is beer. Ecologists? Beer. Engineers? Beer. Student Counseling? Beer. Organization of Research Stations? Beer (a sincere local microbrew, though).
Aside from the large nets and occasional unusual headgear, you probably couldn’t tell by looking that we’re all bug dorks. Attendees at the meeting include graduate students, professors, pest control industry people, people who rear biocontrol agents, State Extension staff, EPA, USDA, the Military, makers of giant insect nets, and many more. I’ll be bringing you a sneak peak at hot research topics, and also the Insect Rodeo.
No, really, an insect rodeo at the Bullock State History Museum. There aren’t tiny saddles; it’s an outreach effort by the ESA to bring scientists and school kids together in insect appreciation. It’s a lot of fun, since most entomologists skip the whole “growing up” part of life. I mean, we make a career out of running around and turning over rocks to pick up crawly things. Kids and Bugs are a natural mix, and many entomologists are deeply involved in educational outreach.
Put 60 big kid entomologists and 1300 actual little kids together with live insects and games, and magic happens. Like this:
Also, we tell terrible, TERRIBLE jokes.
You can see more – videos of cute kids at the Insect Expo here; I promise there are no more awful insect jokes on those videos.
