Springing and Singing: Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids (Fall 2019 Course)

Wagner Free Institute of Science

FALL 2019 COURSE: ZOOLOGY SERIES
<H2>Springing and Singing: Grasshoppers, Crickets and Katydids – Oh My! </H2>
<H2>Professor Greg Cowper</H2>
Dates: 6 Tuesdays from September 17 – October 22, 2019
Time: Lectures meet from 6:30 PM to 8 PM in the Science and Wellness Department (<A HREF="https://libwww.freelibrary.org/assets/pdf/about/parkway-central-welcome-guide.pdf" TARGET="_blank" DATA-MSYS-CLICKTRACK="0" REL="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Room 202</A>).
This course requires pre-registration. Sign up here or call 215-763-6529 x23.
<H2>Course Description</H2>
This new course introduces Entomology, the study of insects, through an in-depth examination of the insect order Orthoptera, the grasshoppers, crickets and katydids. Students will learn about the evolution, classification, morphology, and behavior of this important group of insects. Species diversity and native Pennsylvania examples of the three groups will be highlighted.
FULL COURSE SYLLABUS
Header Image: Locustidae from Wagner collection; Orthoptera label by John G. Hope; "Plate 9," Natural History of New York, Ebenezer Emmons, 1854.
<H2>Course Schedule</H2>
1. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 – Introduction to Orthoptera Evolution, metamorphosis, morphology, classification, sound production and a first look at Grasshoppers.
2. Tuesday, September 24, 2019 – Discussion of Grasshoppers continues Locust swarms, entomophagy, species diversity and sound production.
3. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – A first look at Crickets Morphology, classification, and sound production.
4. Tuesday, October 8, 2019 – Discussion of Crickets continues Adventive species, cricket flour, and species diversity.
5. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 – A first look at Katydids Morphology, classification, and sound production.
6. Tuesday, October 22, 2019 – Discussion of Katydids continues Night visitors, species diversity, and native species. 
<H2>About the Professor</H2>
Greg Cowper is an Entomologist at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University where he has just completed a three-year National Science Foundation funded project OrthopNet: Connecting Grasshoppers to Field Notes. He continues to study the evolution and speciation of the flightless grasshopper genus Eremidium endemic to the forest patches and sky islands of South Africa and is preparing grasshopper specimens collected in South Africa from a 2007 expedition. Other interests include Urban Entomology and he and an Academy colleague have organized an Urban Insect Biodiversity Symposium at the November Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. He has been a member of the Wagner’s faculty since 2014. 
 
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FAQs
Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event?
The adult lecture courses are offered on an introductory college level. They are open to anyone seeking an introduction to various areas of the sciences as well as those familiar with the subjects who wish to broaden and update their knowledge. The courses also provide an excellent opportunity for motivated junior high and high school students to supplement their current science courses and to help prepare them for further study in these fields at a college level. The courses are appropriate as well for teachers seeking to expand their knowledge.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The Free Library of Philadelphia <A HREF="https://libwww.freelibrary.org/locations/parkway-central-library" TARGET="_blank" DATA-MSYS-CLICKTRACK="0" REL="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Parkway Central Branch</A> is located between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway. It is close to many SEPTA lines, including buses, Regional Rail, and the Broad Street Line Race/Vine station. Most parking near the library is metered street parking. There is also a Philadelphia Parking Authority lot behind the library on Callowhill Street between 19th and 20th Streets.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Wood Street entrance (at the back of the building) is wheelchair accessible and there are elevators in the building. Enter Wood Street by going south on 19th Street and drive west towards 20th Street. If the gate is down press the buzzer and security will open the gate. There are handicapped parking places right next to the building. 
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Click the "Contact the Organizer" link, email corynw@wagnerfreeinstitute.org, or call (215) 763-6529 x24. (Extension 23 is the registration extension.)

Parkway Central Library

Evening Courses

The Wagner's evening courses are the oldest, free adult education program in the country! Courses are ordinarily held off-site at a variety of locations in Philly to make them accessible to a wide audience. Since 2020, they have been held over Zoom.