Bug Fest 2008

The Academy of Natural Sciences is going buggy all day Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, with roach races, bug cooking , live insects, tarantulas and scorpions, science talks and insect-inspired robots. (Check out the Bug Fest schedule.)

  • Grab a sample of cooked bugs from famous Cajun bug chef Zach Lemann;
  • See demonstrations of a bio-inspired robot from Penn's Kod*Lab;
  • Find out how insects got trapped in amber millions of years ago and learn how to responsibly collect insects and preserve them;
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to touch or hold a tarantula or giant Madagascar hissing cockroach;
  • Cheer your favorite on to victory in the Roach Race 500;
  • Learn the techniques of chalk art from artist/biologist Caryn Babaian and help create sidewalk art;
  • Hear experts talk about bugs in art, bugs in science, bugs and non-native plants;
  • And learn about the Academy’s world-class entomology collection of 3.5 million specimens that are used by researchers around the world.

(Check out the Bug Fest schedule)

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If you dare...

touching bugs

Touch live insects and other spineless wonders.

Double dare...

insect cusine

Sample culinary creations by bug chef Zach Lemann.

Got bugs?

butterfly collections

Collect and pin insects.