Live insect encounters and hands-on activities include the “Dare Box”

Apple Valley, CA – Arthropolooza: the Ultimate Bugfest buzzes into the Victor Valley Museum on Saturday, Feb. 23, 12 to 3 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 demo, and more to engage and educate visitors participants about the Mojave Desert’s creepy crawlers. 

Featured are live arthropods including hissing and cave cockroaches, a Desert hairy scorpion, tarantulas, millipedes, and more from the main museum’s Exploration Station live animal collection and mounted insect displays from the Education Collection. Visitors will get to test their sense of touch and bravery to discern concealed insects in the “Dare Box.” Facilitated cockroach races are scheduled during the event. Kids will get to create their own bug accessories and pose in front of a large scale bugface selfie station.

Joining the event are BeeRooted, UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District, and San Bernardino County’s Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program. 

According to museum curator of integrated science, Jessika Vazquez, “We are very excited to be hosting Arthropolooza once again. This year we’re showcasing more arthropods, working with more partners, and have increased more engaging activities. We’ll be highlighting the importance, awe, and beauty of these critters who are everywhere! Arthropods encompass over 80% of all described species in the world and outnumber each individual human being by 160 million! They are fascinating.” 

The Victor Valley Museum and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating the arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors. 

The Victor Valley Museum is a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Regular museum days and hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student), EBT cardholders are $1. Children under 5 and the San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.