This month we have talks about some of the most interesting and cutest bugs!
Join us in person at Barrel O' Fun (the bar in the lobby of the Alamo Drafthouse Mueller), or watch the live-stream at
https://twitch.tv/nerdniteaustin
The show is always free, so arrive early to get a good seat. The venue opens at 4:00 pm. Talks may not be given in the order listed. There will be volunteer ASL interpreters at the show.
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"Lights Out, Y'all: The Case of the Missing Texas Fireflies" By Ben Pfeiffer
A fast-paced, nerdy, and fun dive into the history and mystery of fireflies in the Lone Star State. You’ll learn how these glowing insects evolved, which species call Texas home, and why their numbers are fading. Along the way, Ben will share how to spot fireflies in the wild, what’s driving their decline, and what we can do to help bring the lights back.
Ben is the founder of Firefly Conservation & Research at
https://Firefly.org, where he works to conserve Texas fireflies and their habitats through education, outreach, and scientific research. A sixth-generation Texan and lifelong naturalist, his work has led to new discoveries about Texas fireflies, including previously unknown life history details and flash patterns, so that others can better understand, preserve, and enjoy them.
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"Leafcutter Ants and their Fungi Farms" by Juju Dessert
Juju’s research focuses on the proteins within the leafcutter ant-fungus symbiosis, particularly on the enzymes involved in the breakdown of plant biomass. This presentation dives into the life cycle of a leafcutter ant colony, explains the origins of the cultivation of the fungus, and reveals the processes involved in plant degradation.
Juju is a PhD student in Molecular Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, and obtained her Bachelors at University of Wisconsin, Madison in Entomology. (Yay bugs!)
https://jujudessert.com
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