You may not be a proficient at netting an insect like entomologist Fran Keller, UC Davis doctoral alumna and Folsom Lake College professor is, but you can try your skills at the 111th annual UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 12 and maybe win a poster.
The Bohart Museum of Entomology invites you to engage in a variety of entomological activities, including how to net a butterfly replica, at its pop-up tent on the grounds of Briggs Hall from 1 to 4 p.m.
A scientist will show you how to use the net, and if your skills are proficient, you'll receive a Bohart Museum poster.
And Fran Keller? She received her doctorate in entomology from UC Davis, studying with major professor Lynn Kimsey (now a UC Davis distinguished professor emerita and the former 34-year director of the Bohart Museum). Keller is also a lecturer with the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, teaching the same class on insects that her mentor did. She is the newly elected president of the Pacific Coast Entomological Society. In addition, she continues as a research associate with the Bohart Museum. She is the author of the children's book, "The Story of the Dogface Butterfly."
At last year's Bohart Museum activities in or near the pop-up tent, youths and adults alike delighted in learning how to net an insect. Aren Natarajan, 6, of Davis so loved it that he practiced on the sidelines and then returned for more fun.
Tabatha Yang, education and outreach coordinator, said the Bohart Museum scientists also will display their "Oh, My" drawers of specimens, so named because when you see them. you say "Oh, my!" You will see such specimens as dragonflies, butterflies and bees. You can also hold a stick insect (walking stick) and a Madagascar hissing cockroach from the Bohart's live petting zoo. It's a good opportunity to take selfies and share with your social media friends. "Look, here's a walking stick crawling up my arm! How cool is that?"
This is the second consecutive year that the Bohart will pitch its pop-up tent at Briggs.
The Bohart Museum, founded in 1946 by Professor Richard "Doc" Bohart (1913-2007) is the home of a global collection of eight million insect specimens, plus an insect-themed gift shop and the petting zoo. It is located in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building, 455 Crocker Lane, UC Davis campus, but the museum will be closed on Picnic Day.
Director of the Bohart Museum is Professor Jason Bond, the Evett and Marion Schindler Endowed Chair, Department of Entomology and Nematology, and associate dean, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
For a preview of the entomological events taking place at Briggs Hall, access this website. Events will include roach races, maggot art, insect displays, ladybug giveways from the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, T-shirt sales from the UC Davis Entomology Graduate Student Association, and much more.