Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Bug Theatre

Variable rainfall during our monsoon greatly affects the insect life in the desert. Join Ranger Shaun to see what this season has done so far! With a bright light, a while cloth, and some patience you can coax the insects of the night down for a chat. Ranger Shaun is gonna try just that. Summer rains in the desert are unpredictable but have a huge impact on life here. This year was expected to be “wetter than normal” back in March and April. How are we doing now? What do the bugs think? The lure of the stage may be enough for us to find out! Ranger Shaun will teach some basic insect ID, talk about insect, and possibly arachnid depending on who volunteers, anatomy, behaviors, and life cycles. We will most likely see moths and beetle, but possibly spiders, scorpions, flies, wasps, and even the odd toad has shown up. Please bring water, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. Please DO NOT bring pets, insect repellent, people who are afraid of bugs, spiders, etc. There WILL be bugs. Some of these bugs MAY be on you, especially if you approach the curtain. Know yourself, know your limits. Have fun. MEETING LOCATION: Area 4 (Blackrock Trailhead) Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JUfpSd21vzr1kKXU7 Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 5 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 08/14/2025. PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The Maricopa County Parks website (www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s current status. Please check the program listing online or call the Nature Center before coming to the park.