The 2026 Insect Fest is near!
Please join us for our 14th annual insect extravaganza.
Sunday October 4th, 2026 – 10am to 3pm
ENR2 building on UA campus
1064 E Lowell St
(photo by Yvonne Spane)
This year’s theme insect is the Calleta silkmoth, Eupackardia calleta), which can have a wingspan over five inches. It’s the only species in its genus, and is found in Mexico, Guatemala, and the southwestern United States in the foothills and canyons of desert mountain ranges. The caterpillars consume desert ash, ceniza, and ocotillo, then build large silky cocoons in which they complete their metamorphosis into adults. Adult moths fly at dusk.
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 English and Spanish language 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. Note that we are not looking for vendors, but encourage anyone interested in displaying insects to contact us.
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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