With a theme of “Living With(out) Insects,” the 2019 edition of Penn State's Great Insect Fair will explore the widely publicized, worldwide decline of insects from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Saturday, September 28, at the Snider Agricultural Arena on the University Park campus.
"Insects are integral to the health of the planet and people," said Michael Skvarla, director of Penn State’s Insect Identification Lab and one of the organizers of the fair. "They pollinate our crops and feed on pests, help decompose dead animals, form the base of food webs, and stabilize natural environments. So, this year, we want to highlight how important insects are to all of these systems."
In keeping with the theme, visitors will see exhibits featuring stream macroinvertebrates and native plants for insects. There also will be several opportunities to see live insects, including an insect zoo, butterfly tent and nocturnal insect tent.
The event sponsored by the entomology department in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences also will feature exhibits about ticks and vector-borne diseases, as well as insect-vectored plant pathogens.
Other exhibits and activities will include honey tasting, insect construction, carnivorous plants, face painting, insect deli, the invasive spotted lanternfly; the insects of the ocean: crustaceans; and Insects Are Us 4-H Club of Monroe County.
Admission for the fair is free, but donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Free parking is available at the Snider Agricultural Arena and across Park Avenue behind the Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center.
For more information, visit the Great Insect Fair webpage.
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