The Banished Beetle Project
American Burying Beetle Citizen Science
In 2015, the Banished Beetle Project was created by entomologist Theresa E. Andrew during her Master’s degree at Oklahoma State University to provide educational curricula and generate additional searches for the endangered American burying beetle (ABB), Nicrophorus americanus. The Banished Beetle Project promotes educational awareness of ABB, targeting the general public and K-12 classrooms, and provides age-appropriate background information about burying beetle, Nicrophorus spp. biology and their role as natural recyclers/detritivores. Citizens are encouraged to aid scientists in ABB conservation efforts by pitfall trapping for burying beetles, using cheap trap materials and an attractive bait.
