Bug Huggers Adventure Camp 2026 – Day 2

Day 2 of Bug Huggers Adventure Camp at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont, was filled with experiments, field research, and exciting discoveries about insect behavior.

Students arrived between 8:30 and 9:00 AM and began the day with a fascinating investigation into termite communication. Campers observed how termites followed lines drawn with a common blue ballpoint pen, then tested different ink colors, marker types, and even graphite to determine what attracted the insects. 


Through careful observation and experimentation, students discovered that a particular blue ballpoint pen contains chemicals that closely mimic the pheromone trails termites use to communicate and navigate.

At 9:00 AM, students geared up and headed into the Saint Michael's College Natural Area for a field experiment of their own. Campers wore blue baseball caps fitted with sticky tape to capture deer flies. About half of the hats were also equipped with a dragonfly silhouette attached to the top. As students hiked through the forest, they collected invertebrate specimens, checked pitfall traps, and placed additional traps in areas of old-growth forest for future sampling.

Throughout the excursion, deer flies frequently landed on the hats, providing valuable data for the experiment. When students returned to campus around 11:00 AM, they carefully examined each hat and compared the results. The evidence was clear: hats equipped with dragonfly cutouts attracted far fewer deer flies than hats without them. Students discussed possible explanations and concluded that deer flies may avoid dragonfly-shaped objects because dragonflies are important predators of flying insects.

Lunch was held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, giving students time to relax and share stories from the morning's adventures.

After lunch, campers brought their collected specimens to the laboratory for closer examination. Using stereo microscopes, students explored arthropod anatomy and practiced scientific illustration, carefully recording details of their observations in their journals. This session provided an opportunity to learn how scientists document specimens and identify different groups of invertebrates. 

At 1:30 PM, students had the option of participating in bug-themed active games and campus exploration activities outdoors or remaining inside to learn the fundamentals of insect pinning and specimen preparation. Both groups remained engaged in hands-on learning while developing new skills and an appreciation for entomology.  

By 2:30 PM, all students were back inside for the final session of the day. Campers reviewed their journals, examined specimens one last time, and reflected on the discoveries they had made throughout the day. Some students chose to release their collected insects back into the environment, while others continued practicing microscopy and observation techniques.

All students were picked up between 3:00 and 3:30 PM after another successful day of scientific exploration, experimentation, and outdoor adventure. We look forward to seeing what discoveries Day 3 will bring.

Report from instructor Cole Logan (edited). Photos by Cole Logan.