Science Under the Stars: Getting to Know Your Nighttime Neighbors

The nocturnal world is filled with creatures that go ‘Buzz!’, ‘Croak!’ and ‘Squawk!’ in the night. Austin is no exception, being home to many fascinating species of insects and frogs that can really kick up a racket! But who are these nocturnal neighbors of ours? Why do they make the noises they make? And, when in the year do they dust off their vocal cords, wings or timbals to belt out their favorite tune? 

Luke Larter, a Ph.D. candidate in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at UT Austin, will introduce you to some of his favorite players in Austin’s star-lit symphony, teaching you their calls and the right times to listen for them. Impress friends and bewilder enemies with your newfound knowledge of these secretive singers that, to many, remain shrouded in darkness.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas run by UT graduate students. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Find schedules and links for each event on the SUtS blog, Instagram, X/Twitter and YouTube channel, or sign up on their listserve to get event notifications.