Valuing Insects with Stephen Hall

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“Biodiversity is the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems in a region”* and insects play critical roles in maintaining our ecosystems, according to Stephen Hall, speaker for the upcoming February 2, 7:00 p.m. Zoom event for the Triad NC Native Plant Society. (Feature photo: Stephen Hall looking for Pitcherplant Moths, Exyra species, by Michael Schafale. Included here are some of the photos he’ll be sharing during the program.)

Dogbane leaf beetle, Chrysochus auratus (by Stephen Hall)
Dogbane leaf beetle, Chrysochus auratus (by Stephen Hall)

This is why gardeners should value and welcome the presence of insects and not just spray them on sight, he points out. Many insects have fascinating stories to tell and a healthy garden full of insects can help maintain these populations, not only locally within neighborhoods but over the state as a whole, he adds.

Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis (by Stephen Hall)
Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis (by Stephen Hall)

Dr. Hall will highlight how our relationship with insects, and to biodiversity more generally, is critical for preserving the natural world and ourselves within it.

Tachinid Fly (by Stephen Hall)
Tachinid Fly (by Stephen Hall)

Dr. Hall brings to this presentation a wealth of knowledge from his 24 years working with the NC Natural Heritage Program as a landscape ecologist and invertebrate zoologist.

Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp, Sphecius speciosus (by Stephen Hall)
Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp, Sphecius speciosus (by Stephen Hall)

With a BA in Zoology from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, Dr. Hall continued his studies for his PhD in Biology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with research on the movement patterns of Box Turtles.

Furrow bee, Halictus sp. (by Stephen Hall)
Furrow bee, Halictus ligatus (by Stephen Hall)

He worked in various university positions before joining the NC Natural Heritage Program in 1990.  He also worked as an environmental review coordinator for the NC Division of Parks and Recreation in his earlier years. 

Fast-calling Tree Cricket, Oecanthus celerinictus (by Stephen Hall)
Fast-calling Tree Cricket, Oecanthus celerinictus (by Stephen Hall)

Since retirement, Dr. Hall has been working on several websites for the NC Biodiversity Project, mainly Moths of North Carolina and Orthoptera of North Carolina, currently listed as Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids. 

In 2016 he was awarded the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as a leader in wildlife resources conservation and for outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina.

Sundew Dart Moth larva, Hemipachnobia sp. (by J.B. Sullivan)
Sundew Dart Moth larva, Hemipachnobia sp. (by J.B. Sullivan)

This and all of our programs are open to the public at no charge. Triad NCNPS members will receive the zoom invitation within a week or so of the program. All are welcome, but non-members need to REGISTER HERE in advance to receive the zoom invitation. NOTE: the invitation to non-members goes out the evening before the program, so if you register after February 1, be sure to read the registration page carefully to ensure you receive the invite.

Carissima Underwing Moth, Catocala carissima, at Nag's Head Woods, Dare County (by Stephen Hall)
Carissima Underwing Moth, Catocala carissima, at Nag’s Head Woods, Dare County (by Stephen Hall)

Most programs are also posted on the NC NPS YouTube Channel within a couple weeks (when all goes well). Click on “Playlists” to see programs from each chapter.

Thank you for joining the North Carolina Native Plant Society to learn more about the ecology of our region!!! We look forward to seeing you!

Pitcherplant Moth, Exyra ridingsii (by Stephen Hall)
Pitcherplant Moth larva, Exyra ridingsii (by Stephen Hall)

We hope you’ll consider becoming a member, volunteering, and/or helping to promote our education and outreach work by sharing with your friends and family. Thank you again!

*(NC Environmental Education eenorthcarolina.org)

The event is finished.

Date

Feb 02 2022
Expired!

Time

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Labels

Triad
Category

Organizer

Triad Chapter

Triad Chapter