Insects & Arthropods of the Morongo Basin

Spend the weekend exploring the lives of the largest group of animals in the world—insects!

Kurt Leuschner, M.S., Wildlife Ecology, is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert. Leuschner's specialties include: ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He teaches natural history courses for the Bureau of Land Management, UCR Extension, the Desert Institute, the Living Desert, California State Parks, Riverside County Parks, and many other conservation organizations.

Did you know that insects can survive in temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade with little or no water? Explore the lives of the largest group of animals in the world through a study of insect anatomy, survival traits, habitats, and behaviors. Participants will learn to identify and distinguish insects from other arthropods and then practice their skills in the field. Field observations will include desert, dune, and riparian habitats, as well as a special night session with black lights at Black Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. Learn the amazing stories of insects like the yucca moth, the ant lion, and the worlds they inhabit. Please note that this class involves car caravanning to multiple locations; students are responsible for their own transportation between sites. This course has a zoom component on Tuesday night and in the field on Saturday and Sunday. 

All required items participants need to bring for your course: food/snacks/water for the day, notebook, pencil, daypack to carry your items, binoculars, and camera.

Photo credit: NPS/Robb Hannawacker