Graduate Students in the TAMU Department of Entomology recognize that there is continual pressure for specialization within the field of entomology. One manifestation of this pressure forces entomologists apart by requiring specialization within the field of entomology. Students, faculty, and staff tend to drift apart due to their specialization even though we all study insects in one way or another and we often share space in the same building, on the same floor, or even in the same office. The Entoblitz concept was created in an attempt to unite department personnel by emphasizing the common element – the insects themselves. We do this in the form of a three-day, two-night insect collecting “blitz” located somewhere within the grand state of Texas, an activity we call “Entoblitz.” But there’s more…
In addition to the stated goal above, Entoblitz Texas seeks to bring together the broader community of professional and avocational entomologists from throughout Texas and the adjoining regions. Through its annual collecting activities, Entoblitz Texas further seeks to fill gaps in our knowledge of Texas insects by targeting localities and habitats for insect collecting that are under-represented in the insect research collections of Texas. The Entoblitz events also funnel fresh specimens into teaching and outreach programs at TAMU and other Texas institutions.
Sound like a plan? Then lets go collecting!