Take a deep dive into the wide world of insects — including a special spotlight on the Pennsylvania firefly — at this year’s Great Insect Fair at Penn State in State College.

Bug lovers of all ages are invited to attend the fair from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Snider Agricultural Arena on the University Park campus.

The Department of Entomology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences sponsors the event.

Michael Skvarla, director of Penn State’s Insect Identification Laboratory, said the fair is an opportunity to not just learn about but celebrate our many-legged friends.

“The Great Insect Fair is the Department of Entomology's yearly celebration of insects and how we interact with them,” he said. “See for yourself how honey from different plants tastes different. Learn how to protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes and other biting pests. See some of our latest research. And of course, there will be fun activities for kids and people of all ages.”

While previous years have revolved around a specific theme, moving forward the event will highlight a different Pennsylvania native insect each year.

This year’s insect is Photuris pensylvanica — a species of firefly named after Pennsylvania and also the state’s official insect.

Activities will include an insect zoo; honey tasting; education about vector-borne disease; face painting; t-shirts and other merchandise from the Entomology Graduate Student Association; vendors selling a variety of insect arts and crafts, books and T-shirts; and more.

Admission to the Great Insect Fair is free, although donations will be accepted to help cover costs. Free parking is available at the Snider Agricultural Arena.

For more information, visit Penn State’s Great Insect Fair webpage.

Resource Links:

-- Guest Essay: Pennsylvania Native Plants And Insects Getting Legislative Attention - By Nate Reagle  [PaEN]

​​-- Pollinator Gardens: Help Encourage Ecological Diversity In Your Own Backyard  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Watershed Friendly Certification Program Expands To Large And Small Properties, Apartments  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Master Gardeners Certification As Pollinator Friendly Garden

-- Penn State Extension Is Celebrating Pollinator Week June 17-21!   [PaEN]

-- Pollinator Vehicle License Plate Now Available From PennDOT To Support Pollinator Habitat Fund  [PaEN]

Related Article This Week:

-- Entomology Advocacy Week!  Help Shape Science-Based Policy For Insects, Pollinators By Supporting House Bill 2471  [PaEN]

[Posted: August 19, 2024]

8/26/2024