Join Us: Don’t Be Fooled! Trickery in Nature - April 1 & 3, 2026

A Behnd-the Scenes Experiences at ASU Biocollections 

Step outside for a moment.

You might see a plant that looks like it is simply and innocently living its life, with flowers seemingly altruistically offering nectar and pollen to pollinators. A bird perched on a nearby branch or pole might appear to be singing its heart out for a mate. And that unique imprint in a rock? Surely it is a 300-million-year-old fossil… right?

…right??

Is what you are perceiving… is the story you are making up in your head about what is going on ACUTALLY what is going on?!

Or... have you been fooled?

Nature is full of imposters, trickers, con artists, and master illusionists. Some lie with color and deceive with sound. Others present as something completely different from who or what they actually are.

In nature… not everything is what it seems.

We invite you to stay suspicious and join us for “Don’t Be Fooled! Trickery in Nature” a behind-the-scenes themed-tour experience where you will be guided by wildlife experts into the world of trickery in nature.

During this guided experience, visitors will explore rarely seen collection spaces and discover how scientists study the fascinating strategies organisms use to survive. From mimicry and camouflage to unexpected adaptations preserved in fossils, this event highlights the creativity and complexity of life on Earth.

What to expect

• Behind-the-scenes access to Biocollections spaces
• Guided exploration with Biocollections staff and experts
• Fascinating examples of deception in insects, plants, vertebrates, and fossils
• Insights into how collections support research, education, and discovery

Featured areas

• Paleobiology
• Ornithology
• Botany

📅 Dates: April 1 and April 3, 2026
📍 Location: ASU Biocollections, Alameda Facility

Register Here