As E. O. Wilson once pointed out, it’s “the little things that run the world”—of which “little things” of the six-legged kind are paramount. Insects constitute the single largest group of organisms in all the animal kingdom, so it is no surprise that they make up a significant proportion of species in our renowned biodiversity hotspot.
This program is an exploration, and celebration, of the wonderful world of insects found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From diversity and behavior to ecology and conservation, participants will learn about the insect groups most commonly found in our area, how to recognize the insect signs that are often more commonly encountered than the insects that make them, and the essential connection between insect herbivores and pollinators, native plants, and bird diversity. Participants will come away with a heightened appreciation for “the little things that run the world” and what we can do to help them.
Guide Jim and Leslie Costa
Activity Rating Easy Active: A light-impact experience requiring some physical activity.
Distance 1–2 miles (1.6–3.2 km)
Meeting Location Sugarlands Visitor Center Training Room (view map). There will be an option to carpool from the visitor center.
Event Location Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove
Settings and Terrain
- Uneven trails
- Potential hazards, including exposed roots, downed trees, and rocks
- Potential wildlife presence, including large fauna, insects, and snakes
What to Bring
For this activity:
- Applicable field guides of interest
Required gear for all activities:
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes/boots
- Rain gear and dress in layers for potentially changing weather
- Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Trekking poles or hiking staff to aid stability
- Food and plenty of water
About Your Guides
Jim and Leslie Costa are the recipients of the 2025 Steve Kemp Writer's Residency. During their residency, the North Carolina-based couple plans to continue work already underway to write and illustrate a new insects natural history field guide for the Smokies to be published by Smokies Life. Dr. Jim Costa is a professor of biology at Western Carolina University and the executive director of WCU's Highlands Biological Station (highlandsbiological.org) in Highlands, North Carolina. He has authored numerous research papers, reviews, and magazine articles, as well as nine books. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University and graduate degrees in entomology and landscape architecture from the University of Georgia. She is a frequent collaborator on Jim’s books, illustrating The Other Insect Societies (Harvard, 2006) and Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory (Norton, 2017).
Required Reading
Event Disclaimer
This information has been designed to be as accurate as possible; however, all programs are subject to change for multiple reasons, including weather.
Questions?
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Member Fee $45
Guest Fee $85
As a member, you are invited and encouraged to bring along a guest. This fee includes admission to this event and a year-long Park Keeper membership for your guest.