Arizona Insect Festival
2023 Poster designed by Alex, Lombard, EIS MS
The University of Arizona's Department of Entomology hosts the Arizona Insect Festival to encourage understanding of our local insects. During this 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!
The 2023 theme insect is the big and bold tarantula hawk, Pepsis formosa.
Known for its sting, it paralyzes and lays its eggs on tarantulas, providing a large meal for its developing offspring.
It's easily recognized by its jet black body, bright orange wings, and often curled antennae.
They can be surprisingly large and are often seen sipping nectar from flowers all over Tucson.
