D3049: Communicating Silphidae relationships through visual and abstract representation

Effective science communication requires the purpose of a work to be easily perceived by those outside the field. Presenting ideas through images can be an eye-catching and engaging method of such communication. This work aims to increase visibility and make science more accessible to the public through the non-traditional science communication technique of art.

Through a series of five hand-drawn illustrations, the ecological importance and beauty of the family group of Silphidae and their relationship with carrion will be explored. Silphids, carrion and burying beetles, act as important decomposers. The relational interactions are shown between Silphid species and other carrion-dependent insects, as well as the parental care of burying beetles with their young. Additional illustrations include a more detailed, realistic depiction of a segment of a burying beetle body and a depiction of our personal relationship with them through non-lethal pitfall trapping. The connecting thread of these pieces is the relationship and importance of place-based knowledge from Anishinaabe Indigenous knowledge holders. Their insights are incorporated as quotes from interviews and public seminar teachings shading the legs in each piece, representative of the foundation and importance of Silphid-human relations. Additionally, the series will form the silhouette of a burying beetle, conveying different beetle relations as they contribute to our understanding of their lives. This series of Silphid ecological relations seeks to transform and diversify expectations of traditional scientific poster presentations. The result will be more accessible and inclusive scientific communication through artistic media targeting a larger audience outside the scientific community.