The Department of Entomology is hosting a beneficial insect symposium from 9 to 11 a.m. April 15 at the Nebraska Union. The event is free and open to the public.

During the symposium, a number of experts in the field will speak about topics relating to the beneficial role insects play in the world, including crop pollination, biological control of pests and nutrient recycling.

Marla Spivak, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of Apiculture and Social Insects at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, will speak about the status of bee health and mitigation efforts.

Entomologist Jonathan Lundgren, director of the Ecdysis Foundation and CEO of Blue Dasher Farm, will speak about the role insects play as ecosystem service providers in agricultural settings.

Judy Wu-Smart, assistant professor of pollinator health, will also speak at the symposium. Wu-Smart will highlight the Nebraska Beneficial Insect Protection Plan. The plan is a collaboration with numerous organizations and industry partners that provides research-based best management practice guidelines and educational programming to promote healthier and more balanced ecosystems.

The symposium is part of the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Kansas (Central States) Entomological Society. During the annual meeting, students and established entomologists present the results of their research and reviews topics of interest.