MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum in Picayune hopes to be overrun, not with bugs, but with youth and adults looking for insects as part of Bugfest Sept. 18 and 19.

The two-day event will include insect collecting, identification and mounting for display; a “Buggy Midway;” and educational seminars on various insects and collecting techniques. The Bugmobile from the New Orleans Audubon Insectarium will make a special appearance Saturday afternoon, with presentations at 1 and 2 p.m.

Activities begin Friday when preregistered school groups collect insects from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 2 to 6 p.m., all visitors may collect on their own, with volunteers circulating to provide tips. At 6 p.m. Friday, the Buggy Midway will open, offering bug-themed crafts and games for all ages, including the popular roach races.

Night collection activities will begin at dusk Friday, and all participants are asked to bring collecting jars and a flashlight or headlamp. Crosby Arboretum will set up collecting sheets with black lights and sodium vapor lights to attract insects. Friday’s activities end at 10 p.m.

Events continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include self-guided insect collecting, Buggy Midway activities and mini seminars.

The cost to attend is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Those wanting to mount the insects they find are asked to bring their own insect pins and mounting board. A limited number of supplies will be available for purchase at the arboretum. An insect identification and pinning station will be set up on the Pinecote Pavilion both days.

For more information on Bugfest, contact Pat Drackett at (601) 799-2311 or [email protected]. Visit http://www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu for more information on Bugfest, insect collecting information and a condensed version of the MSU Extension Service 4-H entomology manual.