Extension Bug Bizarre to be held Oct. 8 in Deep Run Recreation Center

The Henrico Extension Bug Bizarre, a free community festival celebrating the joy and excitement of entomology, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 in the Deep Run Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.

The event is open to the public and will feature live insect displays and children’s activities. Exhibits will show tobacco hornworms in all stages of life as well as parasitic wasps, several species of roaches, bess beetles, house spiders and other insects from the Kester Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. Exhibits also will feature a honey-making beehive and a butterfly room, which will highlight butterflies and caterpillars.

In addition, Madagascar hissing cockroaches will be on display and will participate in races. The Bug Bizarre will present information on the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia that has increased its range in Virginia. While the lanternfly has not been found in Henrico County, residents should know how to identify it and be aware of the damage it can cause to trees, plants and crops.

The Bug Bizarre will be hosted by the Henrico office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Henrico Extension Master Gardeners and other community partners.

For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.