Insect ID and Their Role in Ecosystems

Date: August 27 

Time: 1:00-2:30pm CT

Curious about the critters crawling and flying through your garden? Join Monarch Joint Venture staff for a lively and informative NECTAR Hub Course on identifying the insects and invertebrates most commonly found in green spaces. Learn how to tell a beetle from a bug, a moth from a butterfly, and even what makes an insect an insect in the first place.

We’ll explore the basics of taxonomy, the key characteristics of major insect orders, and how to distinguish insects from other garden dwellers like spiders, snails, and worms. Beyond identification, we’ll look at the big picture—how insects influence ecosystems, shape cultures, and impact human and planetary health. Whether you’re a gardener, naturalist, educator, or simply insect-curious, this course will deepen your appreciation for the diversity and importance of these tiny but mighty creatures.