Austin Butterfly Forum Club Activities

Just in time for the climax of Moth Week (pun intended):
“Male S*x Scales of Moths – Natural Wicks for Scent Dispersal” - ABF zoom Monday, 7pm, July 26th (Zoom info at bottom)

By Dr. Richard L. Brown, Director Emeritus, Mississippi Entomological Museum

Butterflies and moths attract attention because of their colorful wing patterns, but males of many Lepidoptera have scales that lack pigments and are used for producing and disseminating pheromones that are essential for mating success.

This presentation examines the male scent scales of tortricid and gelechiid moths with a scanning electron microscope. The magnified scales reveal another kind of beauty, with structural innovations that increase surface area (for improved dissemination) and protect the scent scales in different ways when not in courtship.

ABOUT DR. THOMPSON:
I began collecting and studying microlepidoptera in Arkansas during the 1960’s and obtained my M.S. degree in Entomology at the University of Arkansas. After serving as a medical entomologist in the U.S. Army at Ft. Sam Houston, I obtained a Ph.D. at Cornell University in 1980. I was then employed as Director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University where I also taught courses in Insect Taxonomy, Aquatic Insects, and Immature Insects.
My research has concentrated on morphology and systematics of tortricid and gelechiid moths and has involved fieldwork throughout the U.S. and in Chile, Venezuela, New Caledonia, Fiji Islands, and Thailand. Since my retirement in 2020, I have greatly enjoyed working full-time on moths and manuscripts.
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ZOOM:
In browser: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86426006695

In app: Meeting ID: 864 2600 6695

One tap mobile
+13462487799,,86426006695 # US (Houston)
+16699006833,,86426006695 # US (San Jose)

There are two interesting learning events coming up this month that you might be interested in. Neither one is a freebie, but they should be excellent opportunities to learn about insects/butterflies.

The first is a class taught by John and Kendra Abbott. They are both experts in their field and accomplished teachers and photographers. They are teaching a class on July 19, 21, 26, and 28th called Virtual Class: Common Insects of Texas. If you have any questions, contact Caley Zuzula at [email protected].

https://travisaudubon.org/?event=virtual-class-common-insects-of-texas&event_date=2021-07-19
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On July 24th from 11 am to 12 pm, Journey North will present the webinar
Wildlife Migration and You! Exploring the Role of the Public in Tracking Wildlife Migration and Phenology*

Zoom link will be provided when you register.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/journey-north-wildlife-migration-and-you-tickets-121731200297

Journey North: Wildlife Migration and You! One-hour webinar to learn how you can help track migration, particularly the migration of monarch butterflies