Insect Fest 2025!

Bordered mantis
(Skoch3, CC BY-SA 3.0)

This year’s theme insect is the bordered mantis, Stagmomantis limbata), which can grow to three inches long. They are common across the southwest and are often seen in trees and bushes around Tucson. Mantids are ambush predators of other insects, which they catch and hold with their spiked forelimbs. Adult females are generally too heavy to fly as they devote most of their resources to producing egg cases filled with dozens of eggs.

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

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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