PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — If creepy crawlies don't give you the creeps, then Bugfest, ending Sunday at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, may be for you.
After a virtual Bugfest last year, animal programs developer Karen Verderame said they were thrilled to host a scaled down in-person version in 2021.
Cicadas, lanternflies, roaches and butterflies were just some of the insects highlighted at the 14th annual event.
Insect fans of all ages got to check out their favorite bugs at the 14th annual Bugfest event, at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.Hadas Kuznits/KYW Newsradio
"Bugfest is our longest running festival," she said, adding there's a lot to learn there. For example, the reason you may have seen fewer lanternflies this year is because animals are learning that they're safe to eat.
"So even though we are seeing less in the numbers, that was to be expected," she explained. "It is still important to be proactive in keeping the numbers down. Squash away, and scrape those egg cases off come the fall."
Verderame said while some might consider bugs creepy, they are definitely necessary. "The world would not turn without insects," she declared.
"They are important because they pollinate, recycle nutrients in our environment," said entomologist Isa Betencourt. "They're a source of inspiration for biomimicry or for technology. There's all sorts of things that we can learn from them."
Betencourt said many bugs are seasonal.
"Like insects that only come out in the summer, the cricket chorus comes out around this time of year, lightning bugs in the summer," she said. "It's pretty cool to see the ticking of the clock as the year progresses to see rise and fall of the different insects."
Entomologist Isa Betencourt shows off a collection of butterflies at Bugfest.Hadas Kuznits/KYW Newsradio
The entomologist added, "The buckeyed butterfly is one that I really like to see. Also, keep your eye out for the monarchs, which are starting to make their migration down to Mexico, and make sure you cheer them on, on their long journey."
And while the 17-year Brood X cicadas are gone now, you can still hear the annual species.
"That's what you hear in the trees going, 'Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch,'" she mimicked.
Betencourt did caution people not to confuse the sound of the daytime cicadas with the sound of the nighttime katydids.
"There are a lot of different insects that were here in the chorus this time of the year," she said. As for what the katydids sound like, she said it was more of a "ch-ch-ch, ch-ch-ch, ch-ch-ch" sound.
A museum volunteer handles one of the "Roach Race 500" competitors.Hadas Kuznits/KYW Newsradio
And while there are lots of activities here at Bugfest, Verderame told KYW Newsradio their biggest fan pleaser is the "Roach Race 500."
"Yes, you can cheer your favorite roach across the finish line."
