Bug Note Episode 15: Bugs and Citizen Science
About Bug Note Episode 15
Science is furthered by passionate people, not just those holding university degrees. Citizen scientists play a vital role in the collection and analyzation of data throughout the world. On this episode of Bug Note, host Daniel Potter chats with Christy Bills, NHMU’s Invertebrate Collections Manager about the role that citizen scientists play in the field of entomology. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.
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Bugs are everywhere, which means that no matter where you live, there are cool critters crawling around. This makes entomology an accessible science that people around the globe can relate to. Personal observations and experiences with insects in your area provide researchers with valuable data about bug diversity, population, and behavior. Entomology is a people’s science, and as Bills says, “We like to invite people to participate.”
As it turns out, participating in citizen science events doesn’t have to be complex. It doesn’t even have to be in a formal setting.
“The best platform is probably iNaturalist,” says Bills, “a free app that anybody can download and use.” The premise of the software is simple: take pictures of the living things around you, including plants, animals, and fungi. Quality iNaturalist observations are identified and cataloged, marking information about the species and the location in which you observed it. Not only does this give you a library of your personal observations, but it allows you to review the observations of other users.
“iNaturalist is a great place to start,” Bills continues, reiterating that researchers really do utilize the data uploaded by users across the world.
For those looking to find a community of bug lovers nearby, Bills suggests looking for local BioBlitz events. These events are usually hosted by a museum or local research center, with the goal of collecting many observations at a time. Participants meet at a location and document the living things within the area, usually uploading photos to iNaturalist. These events, along with citizen science pages across social media platforms, can help like-minded people come together for some hands-on scientific work!
Bug Note on YouTube
Check out the extended conversation on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive notice of upcoming episodes.
About Bug Note
Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.
Authors
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By Olivia Barney
Olivia serves as NHMU’s Marketing Copywriter/Coordinator, where she collaborates across departments to craft engaging stories that help bring groundbreaking research projects to life. She might be the Oxford comma’s number one fan.
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By Dan Potter
Daniel Potter is a science writer and audio producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's reported for Nashville Public Radio and KQED in San Francisco, and has appeared on Science Friday and PBS NewsHour. He's also written for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of his writing appears in the 2023 book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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By Christy Bills
Areas of Expertise • Insect collection curation • Science communication • Fireflies in the Western U.S. • Community Science Background Christy joined the Museum staff in 1998 and has been managing the invertebrate collections with the help of volunteers and interns ever since. Moving from 19th century technologies, she shepherded the collection from outdated housing to archival...
