Insect Festival 2023

Overview

25 booths + symposium talks + grad student-led Ask a Scientist Cafe
4 food trucks
​150 faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows, students
60 community Volunteers
4,000 visitors (approx.)

Theme insect

This year’s theme insect was the big and bold tarantula hawk, Pepsis formosa. Known for its sting, it paralyzes and lays its eggs on tarantulas, providing a large meal for its developing offspring. ​It’s easily recognized by its jet black body, bright orange wings, and often curled antennae.
They can be surprisingly large and are often seen sipping nectar from flowers all over Tucson. The Sting of the Wild Symposium was the centerpiece of the 2023 Fest, honoring Justin Schmidt’s legacy. Justin rated tarantula hawks a 4 on his famous Schmidt Pain Scale. See the recording of the symposium below.

Press