Indoor roach races and an outdoor butterfly release reinvent the term “insects.” The Botanical Gardens will be infested with an array of pests for its 15th annual Insectival.

Insectival is primarily geared towards children, but the event is enjoyable for kids of all ages.

“There are wide-eyed kids and some of the best parents you can imagine. [Both] parents and kids are truly engaged,” said Connie Cottingham, PR and Special Events Coordinator for the Botanical Gardens.

Insectival provides an opportunity to explore the world of bugs with a series of events and chances . “The best part is to have people show up and hearing parents say that this is their kid’s favorite event,” said Kim Sutherland, Field Trip Coordinator and Insectival Coordinator.

Each station comes with a different lesson. Anything from “Why bugs do the things they do” to “Bugs and recycling” is taught. Attendees have the opportunity to shake hands with the largest and longest bugs in the world, jewelry-making beetles and an assortment of arthropods. Dr. Cecil Smith, a University Research Technician, provides the displays. He has the unique opportunity of collecting many of the insects presented. His interest for entomology is intoxicating, but he did not grow up with this passion. “I got into it when I took a course my junior year of college, thought it was kind of funny that I was taking an entomology class. Told all my friends. Fortunately, I had one of those teachers you have once in your college career and really turned me on the subject. Then took another course the next semester, and now here I am.” This passion for sharing knowledge is what keeps Smith coming back year after year.

Attendees learn about the grace of insects with new appreciation. Recently hatched butterflies debut. The butterfly release is an experience. “Kids are just mesmerized,” Cottingham said. The butterflies are brought out in a mesh-like box, and then released. “[The butterflies are] confused, so they start landing on people,” Sutherland said, “You’ll see them on people’s heads and hands.” Insect Olympics are also held, where participants can flap as many times as a butterfly or jump as far as a grasshopper.

The event is collaborative effort between the Georgia Museum of Natural History, the Lund Club and the Botanical Gardens. Both the museum and the Lund Club provide the bugs. The Athens community also takes part with anti-smoking campaigns, ACC mosquito control and safe pest management methods. The Insectival uses resources to show the importance of insects within the community. “Bugs are necessary. They are an intrical part of the environment and we couldn’t live without them,” Sutherland said.