Course Info

ENTO 3140-3140L (4 Hrs) Insect Natural History in Costa Rica
1st Summer Session: June 7 - July 3, 2007
Estimated Cost: $1500 + Airfare

In terms of the number of described species, insects are easily the largest and most diverse group of animals, and that diversity is most conspicuous in tropical latitudes where most of the centers of insect biodiversity lie. Unfortunately, students rarely have an opportunity to experience the fauna and flora of the tropics first-hand under the instruction of a knowledgeable guide and instructor. This course is designed as an interdisciplinary course involving the study of insects and discussion of their natural history in tropical terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, combining intense lectures and field/lab work in Athens with direct field experience in Costa Rica.

The international portion of the course begins in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. From there you will travel to La Selva Biological Station in Puerto Viejo. The course includes an insect taxanomy component dealing with rain forest and cloud forest species as well as extensive research field problems. You will hike around the UGA Ecolodge and Research Station in San Luis and see premontane moist tropical forest insects first-hand as well as teach San Luis elementary students about local insects. The trip includes site visits to INBioparque, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde Canopy Tour, and San Luis Waterfall.