- November 26, 2024
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Week 3 of the Oakland Nature Preserve’s summer camp, “Backbone Not Required,” was all about bugs with entomologist Christy LeDuc giving the presentation. She shared information on spineless creatures, including insects, spiders, snails and centipedes, and told students facts such as 100 grams of peanut butter contains an average of 30 insect fragments and 100 grams of chocolate averages 60 fragments.
“My mom loves chocolate, and I love chocolate, and I don’t know how I’m going to tell her,” one camper said.
LeDuc told participants there are 1,462 recorded species of edible insects, and on Thursday, July 11, campers were offered a freeze-dried cricket in one of three flavors: sour cream, bacon and cheese or salt and vinegar. About half of the students elected to try the crunchy snack.
The day included a catch-and-release bug safari, and campers were given nets and bug containers and sent out into the preserve.