From November 15-18th, the Deans lab went to Minneapolis, MN, to attend the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). This is the largest meeting of entomologists in the United States, and it’s definitely the place to go for anyone who works on or is interested in entomology.
All members of the Deans lab gave oral presentations on the work we’ve been doing, which are all available on Figshare (click on our names for the links). Kyle and myself talked about our work on Dendrocerus and Conostigmus. Kyle gave an overview of some of the tools we’re using in our taxonomic revisions, and I presented DNA (COI) data for Conostigmus, showing how the species concepts were corroborated by morphological characters, specifically male genitalia characters.
István spoke about his research on the insect integument and its importance in systematics and evolutionary developmental biology. While looking at a new species of Conostigmus from Madagascar, he found that the smallest specimens had the same integument cell size as the largest specimens. Even though the insect integument is the source of most of the morphological characters that systematists use to describe species, it seems that no one has studied cell size before. István is currently working on measuring and comparing the cells of insects from different orders.
Andy focused his talk on sharing new ways of teaching entomology based on what he’s learned from his Insect Biodiversity and Evolution class and István’s Know your insect seminar. He addressed the ways that insect systematics and morphology are typically taught (that is, when they actually are taught), and then presented some of the ways that he and Istvan have tried to change this, designing new classes that are driven by the students. He finished his talk with a call to action, challenging more universities to offer insect morphology classes and inviting scientists next year to create a symposium dedicated to teaching insect systematics and morphology.
Andy also received the Thomas Say award! This award is presented to one person every year for their significant contributions to insect systematics, morphology or evolution.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/737/23530303461_525d8ec4e5.jpg)
For those of you in the sciences who never have been to a conference, we highly recommend it! Conferences are a great way to stay up-to-date and learn about new things in your field. Its also a great source of inspiration and a wonderful way to get ideas for your research. Of course, it is also a tremendous networking opportunity. You can meet and talk to the experts in your field and meet potential new collaborators so you can take your research in new directions.
Overall, we had an awesome, inspiring, and productive time at ESA 2015, and we are all looking forward to next year’s meeting in Orlando, FL, with the International Congress of Entomology!
Leave a Reply