Insect Fest 2024!

Western horse lubber grasshopper

This year’s theme insect is the ubiquitous and friendly horse lubber, Taeniopoda eques. Its bold, shiny, black with neon coloration warns predators of its toxicity, allowing this grasshopper to munch on its favorite plants unmolested. It is the largest grasshopper in the United States, being found across the southwest and Mexico. Its name comes from the term ‘land lubber’ since they rarely fly.

The University of Arizona’s Department of Entomology hosts this unique event to encourage understanding of our local insects. During the free, single-day Festival each Fall, thousands of visitors engage in interactive exhibits and learn about insects and the insect-based research taking place at the UA and beyond! Also, there are food trucks.

Tell your friends. Help us distribute our posters:

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Insect Fest, contact Wendy Moore at: wmoore@arizona.edu

If you would like to have a booth at the Insect Fest, contact Kathleen Walker at: krwalker@cals.arizona.edu

If you would like to volunteer at the Insect Fest, contact Emily Burke at: emilygburke@arizona.edu

Photos from past festivals.

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