ENV 3500 Bees and Butterflies - Pollinators of the Tropics

This course focuses on understanding the basic biology, identification, classification, conservation and promotion of insect plant pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. In recent years, it has been demonstrated the devastating effects of excessive pesticide use, air pollution and habitat loss over pollinator insects, the most important ecosystem components for human survival. This course will cover the basic and applied principles of insect biology as well as provide a practical overview of the most common bees and butterflies in the Neotropical conditions of Costa Rica. From a practical point of view, we will learn how to start, maintain and use bee colonies as well as butterfly gardens, while from the theoretical side we will learn their economic and cultural importance under principles of sustainable development. This course will be based on field trips, talks, the study of multimedia, literature, visits and practical contact with insects. Therefore, this course is aimed to any student with an interest in biology, sustainability, apiculture, anthropology and entomology.