Desert Insects: Who They Are & Why They Matter

In this introductory entomology course, students will get to know the tiny and often invisible neighbors that make Joshua Tree amazing!

This is an ADA accessible and leisurely activity — less than 2 miles with little or no elevation gain; shade and seating may be available.

Scott Heacox is a professional field biologist and desert ecologist and a native of the Mojave Desert. He works with a wide variety of plants and animals but has a particular passion for the study of insects. He aims to teach about the small, overlooked, and extremely misunderstood inhabitants of our deserts to reframe how we see the world around us.

Detailed program overview: Bugs… who needs ‘em? We do! We know it’s not everyone’s favorite topic, but these little creepy crawlers and flitty fliers are integral in every ecosystem worldwide. In this introductory entomology course, students will get to know the tiny and often invisible neighbors that make this desert the place it is and hopefully build a newfound appreciation for insects, large and small. In this classroom-based course, we will discover a variety of common desert insects, learn about how they live, where they can be found, and what vital ecological roles they play. Students will get the chance to see how professional entomologists study insects using microscopes, specimen collections, and various collecting contraptions. Weather permitting, students can go on short walks to observe some insects in situ.

All required items participants need to bring for the course: 10 desert essentials, lunch, snacks, 2-3 liters of water, proper hiking attire, a notepad, and a pen!

Photo credit: Benazir Erdahl, Desert Institute Manager