Live insect encounters and the “Dare Box” at Arthropolooza
Arthropolooza: the Ultimate Bugfest buzzes into the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and local partners present demonstrations and hands-on activities with live insects, insect specimen displays, interactive bee activities, backyard conservation, composting and more with an emphasis on established and endangered arthropod species in our region.
Family activities include a buggy photo booth, bug relay races, live bug encounters, Catch a Bug!, and bug crafts. The “Dare Box” will test visitors’ sense of touch and bravery to discern concealed insects. Live arthropod encounters include hissing and cave cockroaches, a Desert Hairy Scorpion, tarantulas, millipedes, and more from the museum’s Exploration Station live animal collection.
Joining the event are Hidden Valley Nature Center; San Bernardino County Agricultural Weights & Measures; Bee Rooted; Joshua Tree National Park; UC Riverside Department of Entomology; The Wildlands Conservancy; San Bernardino County Environmental Health Mosquito and Vector Control; UCCE Master Gardener;, and Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD).
Jessika Vazquez, Curator of Integrated Sciences said, “California is home to many arthropod species, some that are considered endangered due to environmental pressures like the Delhi Sand Flower-loving fly, a nectar feeding fly, that can be only be found in small sections of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Come spend a weekend with our partners and their many legged guests for this popular event!”
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arthropolooza is included with general admission: $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.