With their eyes set at the ends of long, skinny stalks, stalk-eyed flies are some of the most unusual insects on Earth, and they’re found in many parts of the world, including right here in Maryland. In this talk, evolutionary biologist Dr. Gerald Wilkinson with the Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, shares discoveries from his studies of stalk-eyed fly species in Southeast Asia, which offers insight into how new species evolve.
Join us for a fascinating exploration of how beauty, rivalry, and genetics shape life’s diversity, from tropical forests to our own backyards. You’ll learn how sexual selection, the drive to attract mates, and hidden genetic conflicts can spark dramatic changes in appearance and behavior, even leading to the formation of entirely new species.