Biology 3300: Introductory Entomology
Dr. Tom Chapman
When Newfoundland was released from the unfathomable weight of great sheets of ice many thousand years ago, and terrestrial life began to creep back onto our island from foreign refugia, it is likely that insects were part of this early mix of colonists. They were certainly here waiting to make life challenging for waves of human settlers that were making Newfoundland home. And, if these insects did not get here by a combination of their own power and passive dispersal on various weather systems, then they hitched a ride with us in our travels and trade with other lands. We are now bitten or stung and frequently exacerbated by their destructive habits in relation to our industrial activities. However, there are also many of us who marvel at the insects’ kind of beauty and are aware of the vital role insects play in terrestrial and freshwater habitats here in Newfoundland. Whatever the motivation, kill them or learn more about them, the first question is always, “What the heck is it?” There are students at Memorial University of Newfoundland who are keenly learning about this the most dominant animal group on the planet. These students are also keen to apply this knowledge in service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are developing a web-based portal that will enable the public to direct their insect questions and inform them on how to submit insect specimens for identification to these wonderful students. The service is free, but the learning outcomes for you and particularly for these students, will have value to the community at-large.