Entoblitz 2014

This year’s Entoblitz will be held on April 11-13 on private property near Seguin, Texas (Guadalupe Co.). The property has many collecting opportunities, including specialized collecting in gopher (Geomys) burrows and Texas leaf cutting ant nests. Mechanized equipment will be on-site for a planned Atta nest excavation. The nest excavation is planned for Saturday –late AM to early PM. The property will open at 2pm on Friday, April 11 for the event.

Click here for directions to the property on Google Maps.

Click here for the map of property.

All people interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Brandon Lyons (brandonct@tamu.edu) with their name, the names of anyone joining them, as well as what insect groups they are interested in collecting. If you plan to partake of the provided dinner for Saturday night and/or breakfast Sunday morning, you need to RSVP as soon as possible (Cost is $10).

Who can go:

Entoblitz is an event meant for anyone interested in insects and insect collecting. We welcome all hobbyists, students, friends, family, and educators to join us.

All Texas A&M students attending need to fill out the following two forms:
1) Waiver and Release Form (each person attending)
Instructions: On the form, The first line should say “Entoblitz 2014”, the second line should say “EGSO”, and the third line should say “Accident/Death”.

2) Travel Information Form – This has to be filled out by every TAMU student that is attending the trip and submitted via the web form 48 hours before departure. Ed Riley is the supervisor and email is egrchryso@tamu.edu.

Fees:

The only fee for this event is for the optional cowboy cooking Saturday night and Sunday morning. The fee will be $10 per person. RSVP for meals by Friday, April 4 will be required if you wish to eat with us.

Transportation:

The property is located approximately 15 minutes southeast of Seguin, Texas Driving time from College Station is approximately 2.5 hours. Please make arrangements for your own transportation. We highly recommend carpooling. For the TAMU participants, if you need transportation to the event, please email the coordinators and we will try to find you a ride.

Lodging and facilities:

Camping will be free on site. A portable toilet will be available for your use on the property. If you do not wish to camp, Seguin is located nearby with several lodging facilities available.

Food:

Dinner and Breakfast for Saturday night and Sunday morning will be $10 per person (collected onsite). For all other meals, or if you do not want to enjoy cowboy cooking, please plan to provide your own food. We will not be providing drinks. Please provide your own drinks. However, coffee will be provided.

Rules and Restrictions – Please Read!

Insect collecting and supplies:

Please bring your own insect collecting equipment. We also ask that you bring a shovel if you wish to help with the Atta nest digging activity. Some people will bring blacklight and mercury vapor collecting equipment for nighttime collecting. People usually will allow you to collect off their light sheets, but please ask permission before doing so. Don’t forget to bring your camping chairs!!

Thanks, … hope to see you there!