On a 2-foot-long circular track, two cockroaches — each named Herman — raced against each other. Children and parents cheered the two Hermans on at one of the many insect-centered events at Saturday's BugFest.
The UF Undergraduate Entomology Club hosted its 17th annual BugFest at Steinmetz Hall for dozens of students, families, children and alumni. The day was filled with presentations and interactive elements that allowed guests to immerse themselves into bug culture.
The theme for this year, “Social Antics,” primarily focused on educating guests on social insects, like termites and bees.
“It’s an opportunity for people … to come in, check out the department, see what we’re about, get some education and learn about all about the different insects,” said Keith Gerber, a 33-year-old veterinarian and former UF Entomology Club president.
He praised the event’s ability to highlight insect learning inside and outside of the classroom.
“Insects are a part of your life, whether you like it or not,” Gerber said, adding that his knowledge in entomology helps him with veterinary skills, such as treating parasites in animals.
In one room, Madagascar hissing cockroaches pulled miniature tractors attached by a string. In another, professors gave lectures on termite behavior and cockroach subsociality. Down the hall, an arthropod petting zoo gave guests the opportunity to hold tarantulas and multilegged critters.
Organizers said the hands-on nature of the event helps guests conquer their fears and dive into something they might be interested in.
“It gives them a safe environment to really, you know, come and look at these bugs and ask us questions about them,” said Angel Gonzalez, a 22-year-old UF entomology junior and member of the entomology club who dressed in a cockroach costume for the event. “These types of events are here to teach people.”
Jennifer Martocci, a 21-year-old UF entomology senior, serves as vice president of the entomology club and organizer of this year's BugFest. She said the event promotes the university’s entomology and nematology program, one of the best in the country, and keeps people coming back to learn more.
“I’m proud of how the club has managed to be consistent and get people to be here every year,” Martocci said. “That makes me happy.”
She added that this event is sentimental to those who grew up with a passion for bugs and insects.
“We were the kids that were interested in bugs, and we didn’t know what to do. And so this is kind of our event where we get to be able to do what we want to give to us as kids,” Martocci said.
Kids paced to each room, excited to see new insects. While some guests crowded the microscopes to see ant colonies, others were busy putting on bee suits to examine the outdoor hives.
Parents said the event made them and their children leave feeling informed and more comfortable interacting with bugs.
“They get exposed to so many different kinds of creatures,” said Prasad Trivedi, who attended BugFest with his 4-year-old son, Ishaan. “They learn that if you don’t touch or don’t harm them, they don’t harm you.”
Jeremiah Feizi, a 20-year-old UF plant science junior and president of the UF Honey Bee Club, highlighted the importance of educating BugFest guests on honeybees' roles in the environment.
“Honeybees are doing a lot of pollination services, and they’re massively important for agriculture,” Feizi said. “This kind of fits into the broader UF educating students on agriculture and where their food comes from.”
As BugFest inspires people to take on their fears and learn more about bugs, organizers hope it will continue to reach more children and adults throughout the local area to encourage education and fun.
In Feizi’s words: “Bees are cool. Honestly, bugs are cool. I hope more people kind of understand that.”
Broc Plancarte is a contributing writer for The Alligator.
