Adventures in Entomology- with the Laboratory of Insect Stress Physiology at Hendrix College
The only insect endemic to Antarctica, a wingless fly, Belgica antarctica
Research
Our lab investigates how insects and other invertebrates survive winter and polar conditions around the world. Through this work, we have contributed novel research to essential questions about the adaptations that make life possible for insects in harsh polar and temperate habitats. Read about our research interests and lab members!
A road trip in Alaska with Hendrix students as part of a study about polar insects
Education
At Hendrix College (Conway, AR, USA), our primary focus is on providing a high-quality undergraduate education for students from all backgrounds. This education starts in the classroom, but also extends to working on novel research projects and participating in outreach programs in our community. Please have a look at our blog and our educational materials here!
Engaging our community about science literacy, climate change, and conservation
Outreach
Science that is not communicated effectively is of limited value, so sharing our experiences and enthusiasm with our community and the world is a high priority. Our goal is to promote scientific literacy and generate excitement for the natural world through these efforts. Enjoy our blog, outreach materials, and photos from our adventures.
Investigating how insects survive various stresses helps to inform sustainable farming practices, direct the allocation of resources for conservation, and improves human health by supporting important medical advances. Learn more here.
Cape Perez, Antarctica. In March of 2020, our team collected insects at this location for a project investigating stress physiology of the Antarctic midge along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Winter weather and polar environments pose serious challenges for insects
Insects are ectotherms (cold-blooded animals), and their environment largely determines their body temperature. So, low temperatures associated with winter and the harsh climate associated with polar environments present serious issues that insects must be able to solve to survive. Learn more here.