Arboretum’s BugFest Set for Sept. 19 and 20

By Susan Collins-Smith, MSU Extension Service

PICAYUNE, Miss. -- Nature enthusiasts, school groups and the public can learn more about the wonderful world of insects during “BugFest 2025 -- BeetleMania!” in Picayune.

The annual celebration will be held Sept. 19 and 20 at the Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum, located at 370 Ridge Road. The event offers many insect-related displays and interactive exhibits hosted by experts.

“BugFest 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest celebration to date, and we hope everyone will come out and join us,” said Barb Medlock, events coordinator at The Arboretum. “We expect to have more entomologists and ambassador insects on display than ever before. Our bat trail -- a nature trail highlighting the importance of bats -- will be expanded with some new surprises.”

The event highlights beetles and their importance to the ecosystem. Biologists, naturalists, entomologists and other experts from Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia will host booths and give presentations on various insects and wildlife, including crayfish, spiders, bats, bess beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and more.

Exhibitors and experts include:

•  The Mississippi Bug Blues group from the MSU entomology department

•  Mammologists from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

•  Patrick Allison, crayfish researcher at the University of Mississippi

• Entomologists from the University of Southern Mississippi

• Ambassador insects and wildlife, including racing Madagascar hissing roaches and bess beetle athletes

•                     Sponsor Redd Pest Services will host a booth regarding responsible pest control

The Bug Brigade Fashion Show returns this year featuring butterflies and moths. A bonus feature of the show is the Fab Four -- well-known Mississippi Gulf Coast actors who will show off the amazing, vibrant colors of beetles and tell their stories.

The event is open to school groups on Sept. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an educational field day. All school groups can preregister by calling The Arboretum at 601-799-2311, ext. 0. Admission is $3 for students, $6 for adults and free for teachers.

The public is invited to attend Friday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Evening events include an expert-led crayfish tour and using black lights to draw beetles and moths. These are no-kill activities. Bring your flashlight!

The event again opens to the public on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The BugFest Photo Competition awards will be presented at 1 p.m. Admission is $3 for children 12 and under and $6 for adults.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or other information, contact Barb Medlock at 601-799-2311, ext. 0.