The University of California, Davis will feature maggot art and other entomology-themed activities on April 18 during its annual Picnic Day event, according to a recent announcement. The Entomology Graduate Student Association (EGSA) will host the maggot art activity in the Briggs Hall courtyard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting both children and adults to participate.
The event aims to engage the public in science through interactive experiences. Participants can dip maggots into non-toxic paint and guide them across paper, creating unique artwork suitable for display at home. The activity is designed as an educational tool that fosters curiosity about insects among people of all ages.
Rebecca O’Flaherty, who developed the Maggot Art curriculum in 2001 while studying forensic entomology, said: “I love my work and being able to share my love with so many people has truly been a joy. I tend to target young elementary students, second and third graders, because I find that at that age, most children are enthusiastic, uninhibited and extremely open to new ideas. They haven’t developed aversions to insects, and we’re able to instill in them an appreciation for and interest in all organisms, no matter how disgusting those organisms may be perceived to be.” O’Flaherty’s work has gained national attention; one of her pieces was featured on the television show CSI (Crime Scene Investigation).
In addition to maggot art, visitors can explore Roach Races, Bug Doctor sessions, Creepy Crawlers exhibits, Glowing Bugs demonstrations, Insect Origami workshops and more throughout Briggs Hall from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Bohart Museum of Entomology will also staff activities outside between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., while faculty labs present displays on pollinators biocontrols and wetlands restoration.
The committee co-chairs for this year’s event are Grace Horne of EGSA—who is a doctoral candidate—and Marshall McMunn from the Department of Entomology and Nematology.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions according to its official website. It promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems as well as economic vitality according to its official website. The organization utilizes nine research centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is recognized for linking research with community needs according to its official website, manages Cooperative Extension services within the University of California system according to its official website, conducts nearly thirty-four thousand educational events annually, and engages over eighteen thousand volunteers in various initiatives according to its official website.
Looking ahead organizers expect continued enthusiasm for interactive science education at future Picnic Days.
