June 22-28

Insect Week

Dive into the tiny world of Insect Week! Uncover the mystery of these little critters and learn why they're crucial to our ecosystem.

Yearly Date

Last Full Week in June

Observed in

United Kingdom

Introduction

Get ready to buzz with excitement as we celebrate Insect Week starting June 24! This fascinating week, which first started in the United Kingdom under the Royal Entomological Society, is dedicated to the tiny yet significantly important creatures we share our world with - insects. It aims to encourage people of all ages to learn about insects, the crucial role they play in our ecosystem, and the remarkable impact they have on our planet. From the beautiful flutter of butterflies to the industrious world of ants, Insect Week is a time to marvel at these small wonders of nature. So let's dive in, shall we? Get set to unravel the mysteries and unknown facts about these little critters that often go unnoticed yet contribute so much to our world!

Insect Week Timeline

1800s

Birth of Modern Entomology

The study of insects evolved as a branch of zoology in the 19th century with the publication of key texts and systematic classification.

1833

Royal Entomological Society Established

The Royal Entomological Society of London, the leading organization for insect science worldwide, was established.

1979

Insect Appreciation Day

Texas A&M University entomologist Dr. John Jackman proposed the first Insect Appreciation Day, a precursor to today's Insect Week celebrations.

2004

First UK Insect Week

The Royal Entomological Society launched the first National Insect Week in the United Kingdom, an initiative that gradually gained global attention.

2014

Insect Week Goes Global

Due to its increasing popularity, Insect Week started to be recognized and celebrated in various parts of the world, including schools and organizations.

2020

Digital Insect Week

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Insect Week celebrations moved online, reaching a larger global audience and promoting wider participation.

How to Celebrate Insect Week

1 Create an insect hotel

An insect hotel can provide an excellent home for a variety of beneficial insects. Building an insect hotel can be a fun project that also helps to encourage insect biodiversity in your backyard.

2 Stage a bug-themed movie night

Gather your family or friends and organise a bug-themed movie night. From 'A Bug's Life' to 'Antz', there are plenty of insect-inspired films to enjoy.

3 Embark on a bug hunt

Head out to your local park or even just the garden and see what insects you can spot. You could even make it a competition to see who can find the most diverse sample!

4 Cook up some insect-inspired treats

Get creative in the kitchen by making cookies or cupcakes shaped like insects. Or if you're really adventurous, you could incorporate insects into your meals. Eating insects is common in many cultures and they are a great source of protein!

5 Attend an insect-themed workshop or lecture

Many museums, zoos, and universities host special events during Insect Week. Check your local listings for courses, lectures, or workshops related to entomology.

Why We Love Insect Week

It's informative and educational

Insect Week offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the fascinating world of insects. These critters play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, and understanding them helps us appreciate their importance and contributions.

It promotes biodiversity

Individual actions like building an insect hotel in the backyard not only serve as a fun activity, but also promotes biodiversity. This week encourages awareness and actions that help preserve and establish habitats for different species of insects.

It's fun for all the family

With activities ranging from a bug hunt to insect-themed cooking, Insect Week offers plenty of fun for the whole family. The events are both exciting and educational, making this week the perfect mixture of learning and entertainment.