BUGfest 2023 Bug Bite Speaker: Dr. Michael Whiting
Bug Bite Talk
Date and Time: Saturday, August 12, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Title of Talk: Masters of Masquerade Crypsis: Stick Insects I have Known and Loved
Talk Description: With more than 3100 described species, stick and leaf insects are among the most morphologically diverse and charismatic insects on the planet. Stick insects include species which resemble leaves, bark, bean pods, grass, lichen -- and of course sticks. What are the challenges to living a life in camo? How has this crypsis evolved? What can these organisms teach us about the fundamental nature of evolution? Come learn more about the most spectacular of all bugs: the stick insects.
Bio: For more than 25 years, Dr. Michael Whiting has been focused on deciphering phylogenetic relationships among the major groups of insects using DNA and morphological information. His lab at Brigham Young University has published on every major order of insects and has provided some of the foundational knowledge for understanding basic patterns of insect evolution. Dr. Whiting currently serves as Director of the BYU Bean Life Science Museum in Provo, Utah.