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Hokie Bug Fest
October 7, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hokie BugFest is a free, one-day festival that celebrates the exciting science of entomology with science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities for all ages.
Highlights include more than 30 exhibits from Virginia Tech labs, local museums, and community groups as well as live arthropods, hands-on science activities, and the Dan Capps Insect Collection.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a special pre-opening from 9 to 10 a.m. for anyone with special needs
- Location: Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.
What’s on display
- Dan Capps Insect Collection: One of the largest private insect collections in the country, featuring hundreds of pinned specimens from across the globe including walking sticks that measure over 2 feet; goliath, Hercules, and other massive beetles; vibrant butterflies and moths; and more. Several new frames of specimens will be premiered at the event.
- Live arthropods from the Hokie BugZoo: View and touch arthropods such as tarantulas, scorpions that glow, blue death feigning beetles, giant hissing cockroaches, whip spiders, vinegarroons, and more.
- 3D insect images: Attendees will use iPads to manipulate 360-degree views of real insects created by the University Libraries.
- 4-H Insect Collection Contest: See insect collections entered by young entomologists from around the region. Winners will be announced, and ribbons and prizes will be given.
This year’s sponsors are the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences through Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs, and the W.B. Alwood Entomological Society, as well as many community partners.
