Activate
a Project
You fund our research, so you get the choice.
Our research can only happen with public support. It exists because you understand how important the field of entomology is as a gateway to environmental understanding and conservation.
Our work is driven by discovery. With an estimated 9 million species waiting to be found... our work is cut out for us.
With your support, we can kickstart some ambitious research and conservation projects, and everyone who contributes will be named on any publications which result from the projects.
Below are the current projects on the docket which need support. Once we hit our goal, the project will be activated and you will be notified that we're getting to work! Click one to learn more and help us get it started!
Stick Insect (Phasmatodea) and Mantis (Mantodea) Discovery Mission
In Partnership With...
This is an estimated 3-year initiative to document the diversity, distribution, and ecology of stick insects (Phasmatodea) and Mantids (Mantodea) across the United States. The project will photograph live specimens, collect voucher specimens where necessary for undescribed species, and investigate undocumented range expansions.
Phasmids are specialized herbivores closely tied to specific host plants and microclimates, making them sensitive indicators of habitat quality and environmental change. Mantises are top invertebrate predators, helping regulate insect populations and maintain ecological balance.
Because these insects depend heavily on vegetation structure, temperature, and humidity, changes in their distribution can reveal subtle shifts in ecosystems and climate.
Project Deliverables
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Comprehensive photographic field guide to U.S. stick insects and mantises
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Updated taxonomic identification keys for researchers and naturalists
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Voucher specimens deposited in GEC & national collections for long-term research
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Publications describing new species and range records
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Distribution maps and ecological data documenting species habitats
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Volunteer engagement and public education programming.
Mesoamerican Biological Corridor: Insect Biodiversity Survey & New Species Discovery
In Partnership With...
Already having contributed to the discovery of 6 new species (2 new genera), range expansions, and hundreds of other insect records, our work is conducted at the thinnest part of the Panama isthmus in collaboration with CREA: Panama, Cocobolo Nature Reserve, and the University of Panama, our goal is to document biodiversity of insects, discover new species, and protect one of the most critical and unique migratory habitats in the world.
Project Deliverables:
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Discovery and description of new insect species, including taxonomic research and peer-reviewed publications
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Voucher specimens deposited in University of Panama collections for long-term study
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Biodiversity datasets and species records documenting insect diversity
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Photographic and behavioral documentation of tropical insect species in natural habitats
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Conservation data supporting protection of critical migratory rainforest ecosystems
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Public engagement through expedition participation, field training, and science communication
Kruger National Park: Pollinators, Recyclers, and Beyond
In Partnership With...
Working with our partners with the Organization for Tropical Studies at Skukuza Research Station, we will be documenting, discovering, and observing behavior and ecological impacts of insects in Kruger National Park, South Africa... one of the largest national parks and protected areas in Africa. We begin with pollinators and dung beetles, surveying populations and species diversity at various plots containing a range of megafauna herbivory and disturbance levels to assess impacts of large mammals (elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc.) on habitat dynamics.
Project Deliverables:
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Discovery and description of new insect species, including taxonomic research and peer-reviewed publications
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Voucher specimens deposited in Skukuza Natural History collections for long-term scientific study
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Biodiversity datasets and species records documenting insect diversity.
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Photographic and behavioral documentation of insect species in natural habitats
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Conservation data supporting protection and expansion of protected areas.
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Public engagement through expedition participation, field training, and science communication
Open the field to future researchers and citizen scientists.
For every $3,500 USD, we can sponsor one participant (regardless of academic background, nationality, or experience) to join us at no cost on Expedition Entomology to gain valuable field skills and experience.
We don't want to have to charge people to get involved, because financial barriers are one of the number one reasons people don't pursue field-based science experiences... but unfortunately, it's costly to conduct field research both domestically and abroad. Your gift can provide a life-changing opportunity for someone to get their hands dirty on one of our public research expeditions.