Students swarm to Bugs N Burgers

No, the bugs weren’t in the burgers, but they were all around the Arboretum. The Naturalist Club ethically trapped and observed many types of creepy crawlies at their annual Bugs N Burgers event on Sept. 17, giving students a chance to get up close and personal with the insects.

“We hang up moth sheets, and the moth sheets let out different wavelengths of light, and they attract a lot of moths and other insects for us to observe and identify,” said Fisher Parrish, a Naturalist Club member and graduate student from Dothan, Alabama.

The sheets were illuminated with white and black light, which attract insects, though the scientific community still hasn’t quite figured out why.

“The best explanation seems to be that [the bugs are] using the lights to navigate,” said Dr. Chelsea Smith, a lecturer of biology and environmental science.

The event not only attracted bugs but a swarm of students.

“Each year we’ve gained support and had more and more people show up, so we’re hoping to continue this within the future and let everybody observe the amazing biodiversity within the state of Alabama,” Fisher said.

Attendees want students to know bugs are not as bad as their reputation may make them seem. Some bugs just want to hang out.

“They are everywhere, they’re in the environment,” Smith said. “Most of them don’t mean you harm.

“I think a lot of people are kind of caught up just knowing about the dangerous ones because those are the ones you’re taught to watch out for. Hopefully, by having [students] come out here, they’ll see the huge variety of insects and other arthropods that are just here, they’re all around us, in a fun atmosphere.”

The Naturalist Club is also competing in a statewide competition called the Marble Bowl.

“The Marble Bowl is a competition in documenting Alabama’s biodiversity, whether it’s insects, plants, animals, anything,” Parrish said. “This is a good event to kind of document some of our night flying or crawling creatures.”

The Naturalist Club also encourages all students, even those who are not in biology or science-related fields of study, to join their team for the Marble Bowl.

To join Troy University’s Marble Bowl team, simply download the I-Naturalist app, search Marble Bowl 2026, choose Troy University and join the team. To keep up to date with the latest buzz from the Troy Naturalist Club, follow them on Instagram @troynaturalistclub.