Insects and Arthropods of the Eastern Mojave

In this course students will learn about the basic anatomy of insects, and how to tell them apart from other desert arthropods. We will also review the many insect orders and families found in the East Mojave Desert region. Some of these local insects have some very interesting stories to tell! Specimens in a demonstration collection will be examined. Mimicry, the use of pheromones, fluorescence, and other important survival traits will be discussed.

We will spend time in the field to observe diurnal (day active) insects and examine them up close, using a variety of different catch-and-release collecting methods such as pit traps, light traps, and aerial nets. Some of the insects will be hiding in the leaf litter or on leaves, while others will be flying around and nectaring on flowering plants. As we walk around the Desert Studies Center and explore a local Joshua Tree ecosystem during a Saturday field trip, we will examine the different habitats and behaviors of insects that we encounter and discuss the various adaptations that enable insects to survive in this harsh desert environment. The fascinating world of insects awaits you!

Activity level: MODERATE

Participants must be in good physical condition for courses/activities in a desert that may be hot, dry, windy, and sometimes surprisingly cold.

Please contact us if you have questions about your ability to participate desertintitute@joshuatree.org

Program Agenda:

Day 1: Tuesday, May 14 via zoom

We’ll meet on zoom at 7:00 pm (link sent after registering) for an introduction to Insects & Arthropods. We’ll discuss the weekend activities and answer any questions you have about the weekend. We’ll finish by 8:30p.

Day 2: Friday, May 17

Arrive at the Desert Studies Center to check-in anytime between 5 and 7p and get settled in for the weekend. Please plan to eat before you arrive or bring dinner with you. 

Day 3: Saturday, May 18 

We’ll get started early at 7am with breakfast and depart on a field trip by 7:55 am to Teutonia Peak or possibly Kelso Dunes depending on weather conditions. We’ll have our sack lunch around noon and then possibly visit the lava tube (4.5 miles each way on washboard dirt). We will return to the Desert Studies Center at around 4:30pm for a siesta and have dinner at 7pm. Other activities such as setting up pit traps and a classroom movie will take place. We may go scorpion hunting if time and weather permits at 9-9:30pm. 

Day 4: Sunday, May 19

We’ll start with breakfast at 7:00 am and check big pit traps for insects, reptiles, and mammals. At 8a-10:15am we will take a short break and grab our lunch to go. At 10:30 am we will meet at the classroom to review the insect collection/discuss findings, and watch a powerpoint presentation on Desert Insects. Around noon we will wrap things up and end the class.

Please note: There is no cell service in the park! Please allow ample time to arrive at the meeting location; park entrances may be very busy on weekends (see FAQs).

Please make sure you check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Get to know your instructor:

Kurt Leuschner is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert. Leuschner's specialties include ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He has led hundreds of field trips both locally and as far afield as Africa. He teaches natural history courses for the Desert Institute, the Living Desert, California State Parks, Riverside County Parks, and many other conservation organizations.

What's included?

• First aid and emergency supplies for the group
• Five meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch)
• Two-nights’ lodging (dormitory-style rooms)

What's Not included?

• Transportation

What to Bring:

The essentials for all field courses:

• Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing
• Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace)
• Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day

Required for this course:

• Sleeping bag or set of bed sheets (full size bed)
• Pillows
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Toiletries and towel (communal bath house)
• Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing; there is potable water onsite, please bring a reusable water bottle or reservoir
• Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (sack lunch provided for both Saturday and Sunday)
• Sturdy closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day
• Notebook and pencil are always good to have

Recommended

• Hiking poles
• Binoculars

A detailed packing list and additional details about this activity can be found on our website. Upon registration, you will receive a digital park pass and paperwork to complete before the event start date. If you have questions, give us a call at 760-819-4714 or email us at desertinstitute@joshuatree.org

Photo credit: Desert Studies Center