WALK THIS WAY: A group of around 60 insect lovers enjoyed Murray Fletcher (above) sharing his extensive knowledge of bugs at the Orange Botanic Gardens. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
CRUSADER bugs, cockroaches and huntsman spiders were the star attractions at yesterday’s bug walk through the Orange Botanic Gardens.
Entomologists Murray Fletcher and Holger Loecker encouraged around 60 participants to grab some collection tubes and find their own specimens.
“We saw lots of things, we only got to walk about 50 metres there was so much to see,” Dr Fletcher said.
“We’re always a bit nervous that there won’t be enough to see but there was.”
Dr Fletcher said child participants ranged in age from four to 11 years old, and he hopes to attract some teenagers to future events.
“There was a great range of ages but we’ve never had luck with young teenagers, I think it’s uncool to be interested in anything at that age.”
Dr Fletcher said he hopes children will realise a love of insects is something they can carry into adulthood.
“I hope they can see that I get a lot of pleasure out of it,” he said.
Dr Fletcher is looking at running the bug walk again in Spring.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au