The Henrico Extension Bug Bizarre, a free community festival celebrating the joy and excitement of entomology, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 in the Deep Run Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
The event is open to the public and will feature live insect displays and children’s activities. Exhibits will show tobacco hornworms in all stages of life as well as parasitic wasps, several species of roaches, bess beetles, house spiders and other insects from the Kester Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. They also will feature a honey-making beehive and a butterfly station, with live caterpillars and native butterflies.
In addition, Madagascar hissing cockroaches will be on display and will participate in “Roach Races.” The Virginia Department of Forestry will provide information on urban forest pests, including the emerald ash borer, which was recently confirmed to be in Henrico County.
The Henrico County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will distribute seeds to grow milkweed, which can help attract monarch butterflies.
The Bug Bizarre will be hosted by the Henrico County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Henrico Extension Master Gardeners and other community partners.
For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.
