Dr. Justin O. Schmidt, renowned entomologist and longtime ally of the Center for Biological Diversity, educated the world on insect defense strategies, letting himself be stung about 1,000 times in

Dr. Justin O. Schmidt, renowned entomologist and longtime ally of the Center for Biological Diversity, educated the world on insect defense strategies, letting himself be stung about 1,000 times in his life by some 150 insect species. He even created the Justin O. Schmidt Pain Index, comically rating and describing the intensity of insect stings. At Pain Level 1 is the sweat bee, whose sting he described as “light, ephemeral, almost fruity … a tiny spark.” And at Pain Level 4 is the bullet ant, whose sting he called “pure, intense, brilliant … like fire-walking over flaming charcoal with a three-inch rusty nail grinding into your heel.” Schmidt inspired a love of creepy crawlies in many he met — including the child of Center staffer Russ McSpadden, seen here getting an explanation on the beauty and gentleness of a scorpion. Dr. Schmidt passed away at 75 on February 18, 2023, from Parkinson’s disease. ************** About the Center: The Center for Biological Diversity is a 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. At the Center, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive. We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive. Where to find us: WEBSITE: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CenterForBioDiv FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CenterforBio... INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/centerforbi... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@centerforbiodiv TAKE ACTION: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/a... For questions or media inquiries, email us at center@biologicaldiversity.org.

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Sting introduced artists and business leaders promoting the Prince's Rainforest SOS program. The project's primary work concluded in Oslo in May 2010.

The Prince's Rainforest Project (PRP)

Sting introduced artists and business leaders promoting the Prince's Rainforest SOS program. The project's primary work concluded in Oslo in May 2010.

The Prince's Rainforest Project (PRP) is now part of The Prince's Charities' International Sustainability Unit (ISU). The ISU aims to build consensus on durable solutions for climate change and natural resource depletion.

For more information, visit www.rainforestSOS.org.

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