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 Oconaluftee Administration Building (view map). There will be an option to carpool from the visitor center.
Event Location Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mountain Farm Museum, Mingus Mill
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 Guide
Jim Costa is Executive Director and Professor at the Highlands Biological Station of Western Carolina University, where he teaches courses in biogeography, Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, and a comparative temperate/tropical ecology field course with Wildsumaco Biological Station in Ecuador. An avid field naturalist with a special interest in insect behavior, evolution, and history of science, Jim’s research and writing ranges from insect behavior and conservation to the history of evolutionary biology.
His most recent books include Radical by Nature: The Revolutionary Life of Alfred Russel Wallace (Princeton University Press), and Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants (Timber Press), co-authored with botanical artist Bobbi Angell. A trustee of the London-based Charles Darwin Trust, Jim has held research fellowships at Harvard, the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, the New York Botanical Garden, the University of Hamburg, and the University of Toulouse. He is currently the recipient of the 2025 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency, during which he and his partner Leslie Costa will work on an insect natural history field guide for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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.
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Member Fee $45
Guest Fee $85
As a member, you are encouraged to bring along a guest. This fee includes admission to this event and a Park Keeper membership for your guest.