Lep Club Meeting: What's in a Name?

Has your favorite plant or animal ever had its scientific name changed? It’s frustrating for a naturalist when this happens, but it does. Come on this journey through time with Dr. David Adamski to see how and why philosophers of the past and present-day scientists changed species’ names. From Linnaeus to now, the taxonomic toolbox has changed accordingly as the underlying science has changed the definition of the species concept. Learn the rules of making and changing names of plants and animals, and why this is important. And find out the underlying science that generates name changing and changes in a classification of organisms on our planet.

Dr. David Adamski is a research associate at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and a support scientist in the USDA’s Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL). His research interests focus on alpha taxonomy, life histories, and morphology of moths. Over the years, David has produced more than 80 scholarly publications, some in collaboration, shedding light on discernible groups of Lepidoptera. He is a member of the Entomological Society of Washington.

This will be the final meeting of the NHSM Lep Club for 2023, and it will take place in person at 6908 Belair Rd. If you would prefer to attend virtually, email the club coordinator (mfalk@marylandnature.org) for a Zoom link.

If you love butterflies and moths, consider joining the NHSM Lep Club. Made up of novice and expert lepidopterists who meet to exchange knowledge and support concerning habitat, threats, food sources, identification, and life cycle of butterflies and moths, the Lep Club encourages the sharing of knowledge for the raising and breeding of moths and butterflies through hands-on lessons and guest speakers. Club members are also involved in outreach in the greater Baltimore community through educational programs and service projects. Most club meetings feature a guest speaker who shares their knowledge on a topic related to moths and butterflies. Meetings also include time to distribute caterpillars and eggs.

To become a member: https://www.marylandnature.org/club-membership

To learn more about all NHSM Clubs: https://youtu.be/pIA7naRjXws