At Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, one of the only standalone invertebrate zoos in the United States, guests can get up close with butterflies and other insects—and learn about important scientific concepts, too. Butterfly Pavilion’s entomologist and community programs manager will be on hand at Entomology 2017, November 5-8, in Denver for a presentation on science communication. (Photo courtesy of the Butterfly Pavilion)

Even though most insects are relatively small animals, they make a great focal point to discuss big concepts.

“We use invertebrates as a model system to carry out science communication,” says Mario Padilla, entomologist at Butterfly Pavilion near Denver, Colorado. “Because, when you talk about invertebrates, that’s an extremely diverse group of animals that we can make a connection to a variety of different things, whether it be environmental preservation, sustainability, or climate change.”

Butterfly Pavilion is one of the only standalone invertebrate zoos in the United…