January's Featured WI Endangered Species: The American Burying Beetle

My thoughts about the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus):

They’re beautiful, they’re unique in their behavior, form and function, they like all other living creatures deserve to exist, and we all have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Learn more about the American Burying Beetle. Bugs are not icky! And they’re not monstrous! Some people asked me if my painting is life-sized. (No, the beetle is about 1.5 inches long). Others were glad these beetles are no longer found in Wisconsin.

2. Act to help breed more of these beetles, place them back in the wild, and preserve their habitat.

Here are some ways you can learn and act to save the American Burying Beetle:

1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! An entomologist told me that he believes there are still American Burying Beetles in Wisconsin! They most likely are found in more remote places, where scientists haven't yet surveyed. So, keep your eyes peeled! And, contact the UW-Madison's Entomology department (see info below), to let them know if you've found one.

2. Help change attitudes towards insects! You can find out more from the Insect Ambassadors Program, at www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectam/index.html . Or you can go to www.entomology.wisc.edu for more general information, and to find links to national entomology societies.

3. Explore and support the St. Louis Zoo and the further a field Roger Williams Park Zoo. Both zoos are rearing the beetles, with the goal of reintroducing them to their original habitats. See www.stlzoo.org/wildcareinstitute/centerforamericanburyingbe and http://www.rwpzoo.org/conservation/beetlerecovery.cfm .

4. Donate to and get involved with private environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such as your local Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the Nature Conservancy. Shahla Werner, the Madison Sierra Club head, is an entomologist, and is especially knowledgeable and passionate about insects.

5. Find more about the beetle through your state government, the WI DNR.
Go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/beetles/amerburying.htm
On your state tax form, check the Endangered Resources Donation box, and your contribution will be matched by state funds. See http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm for more information.

6. Find out more from your federal government! See the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website for more information on this beetle: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/insects/abb_fact.html .

7. While we’re talking about the government…support politicians who oppose sprawl. Let your votes do the talking!

8. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! For example, don’t build your house in the country. Oppose developers who build homes in the country. Support your local organic farmers.

9. Spread the word to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Help change the world!!