UConn Extension’s annual Bug Week was fun for the whole family again this year, and wrapped up with the photo contest. We had 27 entries total this year, 10 in the adult division and 17 in the junior (18 and under) category.

In the junior division our winners were:

1^st place – Tianhao Jiang – “Great Gymnast”

2^nd place – Alice Han – “Pretty Ladybug”

3^rd place – Eric Han – “Butterfly Nectar”

In the adult division, our winners are:

1^st place (tie) – Elise Bennett – “Brilliant Disguise”

1^st place (tie) – Robert Himmerlight – “Lady Bug”

2^nd place – Julia Pratt – “Exit Stage 4”

3^rd place – Rebecca Hawkins – Ambush

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to all of our participants. Bugs are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, providing services such as pollination and natural pest control. However, bugs don’t stop at environmental benefits. They have also impacted our culture through the manufacturing of silk, sources of dyes, wax and honey production, food sources, and the improvement of building materials and structures. There are also problem bugs, like the Emerald Ash Borer and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug that are a concern in Connecticut. Visit our website at www.bugs.uconn.edu for featured insects and resources.

UConn Extension offices are located across the state and offer an array of services dedicated to educating and informing the public on innovative technology and scientific improvements. Bug Week is one example of UConn Extension’s mission in educating and solving problems in the areas of food, health and sustainability. For more information on Bug Week, please visit our website at www.bugs.uconn.edu, email bugweek@uconn.edu or call 860-486-9228.