Insect-A-Palooza flies into Honolulu

Keiki can learn about solitary bees and a carnivorous “bone collector” caterpillar at Insect-A-Palooza. The event starts at 7:30 p.m on Saturday, July 26, and is hosted by Patagonia Honolulu and the University of Hawaiʻi Insect Museum.

The insect museum is in the midst of digitizing its entire collection of about 250,000 insect specimens, according to its website. Its mission is to provide a resource for scientists studying Hawaiian insects and to promote the conservation of native insects.

Scientists from the entomology section of UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience will share details about the “bone collector” caterpillar, which is found only in the Waiʻanae mountains.

There will be a raffle so attendees can win a gear, native plants and original insect art from the museum’s resident artist scientist.

The event is free. Donations are accepted. Parking is limited so carpools and public transport are encouraged. RSVP.

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.