Have you ever heard of insect politics? Neither have I! Insects don’t have politics…. they’re very brutal. No compassion…. no compromise. We can’t trust the insect. I’d like to become the first insect politician. I’d like to, but…. I’m an insect…. who dreamed he was a man, and loved it. But now the dream is over, and the insect is awake.
- Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle in The Fly
Although Jeff Goldblum found time to wax philosophical on the question of insect politics while slowly transforming into a giant fly in David Cronenberg’s 1986 film, he never expressed an opinion on the topic of insect sex. If he had, he might have come to a similar conclusion about the often brutal and occasionally fatal activity of insect, arachnid and arthropod reproduction.
Dr. Art Evans discusses the finer points of insect reproduction at the "Lust in the Dust" advanced training program for Virginia Master Naturalists
Thanks to a Valentine’s Eve presentation by noted entomologist Art Evans, 72 members and guests of the Historic Rivers, Peninsula and Tidewater Chapters of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program now have a much clearer insight into the reproductive habits of these fascinating creatures. Dr. Evans’ “Lust in the Dust” presentation covered almost everything you may have wanted to know about insect reproduction but were afraid to ask, including sex and food, love handles, foreplay, aphrodisiacs, bondage, aural sex, and the arthropod kama sutra.
This event was the first program to be cosponsored by these three Virginia Master Naturalist Chapters, and its success was due to the efforts of many people. It was Jody Ullmann of the Tidewater Chapter who originally discussed the possibility of doing this program with Art Evans, and worked with Historic River’s President Susan Powell and myself in the early organizing of the event. She also contacted Dr. Michael Meyer, who arranged for us to use the auditorium in Christopher Newport University’s New McMurran Hall and provided expertise in operating the facility’s AV equipment. And we need to thank the Historic Rivers’ Chapter Host Committee, led by Alice Koponitz, for organizing the refreshments and decorations (with the assistance of several Historic Rivers members). And to any others who worked to make this program a success, the Peninsula Chapter offers its appreciation.
Carl J. Shirley President Peninsula Chapter
