Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Lecture

Date:  October 27, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Have you ever seen a baby dragonfly?

If you haven't been looking underwater then you haven't, because they spend between two months and FIVE YEARS living underwater before they emerge into our terrestrial world.

If you didn't know that, or if you have ever wondered what lives under the water in our ponds and streams, then I'm here to tell you that there is an entire WORLD of life down there about which many never learn. The John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society is hosting me again this coming Tuesday for a virtual talk that covers some of the macroinvertebrates (aka - the invertebrates you can see with the naked eye) that have adapted to survive underwater and which we can use to determine water quality.

During my insect conservation talk I'll discuss:

I will explore the remarkable diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates found in streams and waterways throughout Virginia and demonstrates how these organisms can be used to evaluate water quality. Viewerss will learn to identify common aquatic insects and other macroinvertebrates, understand their tolerance for pollution, and explore the biological methods by which scientists use them to assess stream health. Through engaging examples and real-world applications, I'll highlights the important role these organisms play as indicators of freshwater ecosystem health and show you some amazing videos and photographs!

Date: October 27, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET

Zoom access link: TBD

CLICK HERE for more information.