The Maine Entomological Society and Why Would Anyone be Interested in Bugs?

Geologist and retired Colby College professor Bob Nelson will introduce us to the Maine Entomological Society, and their work to encourage study of the insect and terrestrial arthropod fauna of Maine. Most members are enthusiastic amateurs, who either actively collect or merely observe and photograph, often posting the photos to iNaturalist or BugGuide. Mainers know all about "mosquitos," but how many truly different kinds are there?  Which ones of them are capable of carrying disease that can affect people?  Where do they breed?  Different species have different preferences!  And the same can be said about the many other readily identifiable groups of organisms out there - and it's not possible for any single person to know ALL the insects of Maine!  Nelson will also discuss his work in paleo-environmental reconstructions, using beetle remains from ancient sediments.