Engaging the community!
We love to get out into the community and share our work! With the support of a Local Outreach Grant from the Society for the Study of Evolution, we’ve created 3D-printed models of dung beetles based on 3D scans we created in our lab. We are using these tools, alongside live insects, beetle masks, books, insect collections, and more, to teach the public about evolution, developmental biology, and insects in general!
Ben Mathews leveraging our educational insect collections to showcase local wildlife, insect evolution, and the importance of critters for our environment.
Ebony Argaez, Ben Mathews, and Dr. Michelle Herrera using the children’s book ‘Disgusting Derek‘ (written by lab member Dr. Nathan McConnell) to introduce children to the fascinating world of dung beetles.
The rainbow scarab (Phanaeus vindex) is a native species of dung beetle that is important for pasture management. This is just one of several species we keep in the laboratory. We bring them and other live insects to outreach whenever possible!
We use live beetles and other insects to illustrate the vital role of insects in the ecosystem.
Would you like us to be part of your outreach event? Or would you like to join us on our next outreach activity?
Please contact Dr. Patrick Rohner at: prohner@ucsd.edu.