Courtesy of Franklin Pest
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — For the second year in a row, Franklin Pest Solutions sponsored Purdue University student Kayla Bliven as the 2023 Bug Bowl Intern that took place Saturday, April 15.
As an insect biology student finishing up her sophomore year, Bliven’s educational dreams include going onto a master’s program in forensics with the goal of being a forensic entomologist.
“I love the natural clues that regional and seasonal insects can play in solving mysteries,” Bliven said. “Nature is fascinating if you just look close enough.”
A love of bugs is what draws people to Bug Bowl each year and Bliven fits the bill, Franklin Pest said.
After a peripatetic childhood as a military daughter, Bliven realized she was fascinated by the insect world that also travels from place-to-place and season-to-season.
“I would say right now I'm a huge fan of weevils; I really love how diverse they are and I think their snouts are particularly interesting,” she said. “Giraffe weevils are my favorite.”
Bug Bowl started as a cockroach race more than 30 years ago by a Purdue entomology professor.
Its popularity blossomed after a radio personality mentioned it, drawing more than 100 people to the event. Now, a live bug zoo, honey tasting and insect art by children also occur at the event with more than 600 original pieces of insect art being displayed this year.
Purdue Bug Bowl’s Betty Bee mascot was on hand greeting attendees.
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