AT: Insect Allies of the Prairie Landscape

Presentation Overview: The prairies of Southeast Texas are full of life. Abundant wildflowers provide food for some of its most popular residents, butterflies. But behind-the scenes, there is an entire army of tiny inhabitants that keep the prairie ecosystem alive and thriving. Join Entomologist and Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Erin Mills, as she gives you a look at some of the lesser-known allies of the prairie landscape.

Presenter Bio: Erin Mills received her undergraduate degree in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2004, and after a short tour of the pest control industry, joined HMNS as the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s Insect Zoo Manager in 2005. Over the years she expanded the butterfly center’s live arthropod collection, developed the ever popular “Bugs on Wheels” outreach program, and continued to establish her role as HMNS’s insect expert.

In October of 2016, she achieved her long time goal of becoming Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. She is constantly striving to improve the butterfly center and how it serves and educates the public about the wonderful and amazing world of insects! As a Board Certified Entomologist, Erin has extensive knowledge of insect identification, ecology, plant relationships, husbandry, really any insect-related topic!