UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- To paraphrase a popular saying, "Dung happens." And nature's way of dealing with dung and other organic material often involves insects.

Visitors at Penn State's Great Insect Fair can enter the unglamorous -- but fascinating -- world of dung beetles and other arthropods that assist in decomposition. Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' entomology department, the fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29, in and around the Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, near the corner of Curtin and Shortlidge Roads on the University Park campus.

"If it weren't for insects, fungi, bacteria and other organisms, we might be knee-deep in dung, detritus and other organic waste," says Maryann Frazier, entomology extension associate and Insect Fair planner. "We hope to give the public an appreciation for the creatures that help break down organic matter and keep our ecosystems in balance."

Several fun and interactive events will take visitors of all ages into the often-overlooked world of detritivores:

• Insect Olympics. Under the "Bug Top" -- a tent erected in a nearby parking lot -- visitors will compare their physical prowess to that of bugs. Events will include Dungball Roller Derby, Springtail Springboarding and Centipede vs. Millipede Races.

Other attractions will include Soil World, where kids will play the roles of various soil organisms and search for food (candy) in a world of "soil particles" (balloons and plastic balls). In addition, displays will highlight the field of forensic entomology, in which investigators use insect evidence to help solve crimes.

Many other activities are planned throughout the day, including:

• Exotic Insect Zoo. Randy Morgan, curator of entomology for the Cincinnati Zoo's insectarium, will bring a variety of unusual arthropods from around the world, many from the rain forests of South America and Africa, including Hercules beetles, bullet ants, giant millipedes, giant spiny walking leaves, flamboyant flower beetles and emperor scorpions.
• Insect Deli. The brave and adventurous -- and the hungry -- can stop by and get their fill of insect delicacies, such as chocolate "chirpies" (crickets).
• Butterfly Greenhouse Tour. Butterfly lovers can visit a greenhouse behind the Frost Entomological Museum, where they can tour a butterfly garden containing examples of host plants suitable for home gardens and landscapes.
• Lady Bug Theatre. "FANTasia" -- a play performed by State College-area high school students -- will be held in 101 Ag Sciences and Industries Building.
• Musical entertainment. Hear Carole Backman and the Caterpillars of Society. Local songsmith Tommy Wareham will make a special appearance.

• Roaches From Around the World. Live "death's head" roaches, giant Madagascar hissing cockroaches and other exotic species will be on display.
• Children's activities. Kids can enjoy face painting, free balloons, games and storytelling.
• Insect artists and vendors. Shop for insect jewelry and other gifts, as well as insect collecting supplies, such as pins, nets and pinning boxes.
• The Web Site. This spider exhibit will feature live black widows and other species indigenous to Pennsylvania.
• Insect collections and collectors. View dozens of interesting specimens and learn how to start a collection of your own.

Admission to the Great Insect Fair is free, although donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Free parking is available in the Orange A lot at the corner of Curtin and Bigler Roads. For more information, call the entomology department at 814-865-1895 or visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu/.

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EDITORS: Contact Maryann Frazier at 814-865-4621.

Contact:

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-865-1068 fax