The leaf beetle and its adaptation to its surrounding environment will be the topic of the Kansas University Natural History Museum’s “Wild Science” series Wednesday.

Caroline Chaboo, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will share how leaf beetles have constructed tiny “umbrellas” for protection, engaged in cooperative social behavior and created a toxin powerful enough to be used by humans to fell a giraffe.

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at KU’s Natural History Museum. It is free and open to the public. It is the last installment of the monthly series in the academic year. Coffee, lemonade and cookies will be served.

The series is on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the academic year and offers a chance for the public to ask questions directly to researchers in an informal setting.