Cape Girardeau, Missouri - From the alien-like jaws of dragonflies, to the ant lion’s strange body-type, nature provides volumes of material for the imagination. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces an event, Insectigations, Saturday, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“We’ve been collecting bugs for our insect zoo for weeks and we can’t wait to show them off at this event,” said Jordi Brostoski, a Cape Nature Center naturalist.

Though they may be tiny, bugs have big stories to tell about adaptations and the many ways they survive. Certain types of cicadas spend more than a decade underground before emerging as adults. Some bugs, like water striders can actually walk on water due to the surface tension of the water and the strider’s brush-like leg structure. A dragonfly nymph may be a bug, but that doesn’t stop it from being a carnivore and devouring a tadpole.

“We may underestimate the lives of bugs, but I think folks will find there’s a lot to discover about these little creatures,” Brostoski said.

This event will explore those stories through insect hikes, a bug zoo and crafts.

No registration is required for this event and all ages are welcome.

Hercules beetles have amazing strength, as they're able to lift more than 850 times their own weight. Learn more fascinating bug stories at Insectigations, July 18, at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. (MDC file photo)