Entomology Society at USF Outreach

Image: Frost web in nature. Photo credit by Simon Hornsby from Flickr.

An introduction blog post and proposal on starting the Entomology Society at USF (ESSF). Also known as the Entomology Society of Southern Florida will be open for membership. As officers soft launch the student-led organization, virtual community will be highly encouraged on Instagram and Discord. The co-founders (Dayana Gutierrez-Sotelo, Taylor Rand, Shane Brown, and Daniella Casanova) will be brainstorming on interactive ways to encourage members to be involved remotely or in-person.

Image: The Entomology Society at USF logo for Discord Community.

The Why

I want to share a little bit about my background and personal experience with the wonder of entomology. My fascination for nature started while I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Growing up in the early 2000s, recess was a joyous time where I got to explore my school's backyard and scan the environment for critters. I recall trying to capture crab spiders with sand-balls whenever they climbed near the window. Or seeing an infestation of lovebugs that would fly on top of cars. Little discoveries like those would hype me to go outside when I was little. This fascination for nature evolved into my passions towards entomology and natural resources.

Image: Welcome back flyer on the Entomology Society at USF's Instagram. 

Founded in December 2022, ESSF will become the first, official entomology and nematology society for the University of South Florida. Neighboring species (arachnology, myriapodology, and nematology) are also welcomed for discussion within the society. ESSF motivate virtual science engagement regardless of which USF campus (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee) you reside.