The Bug Guy

My name is David Albaugh and I have been a lifelong resident of Jamestown, Rhode Island. Born in 1967 I soon became infatuated with insects and now it has grown into a true obsession. Starting out just collecting butterflies in 1974 I quickly became aware of, and interested in, the many large and beautiful species of insects such as beetles and walking sticks. My private collection includes hundreds of preserved specimens of butterflies, moths, beetles and other insects from such far-away places as Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. My summer months are spent working on my MANY butterfly gardens as well as raising butterflies and moths by the thousands in screened in tents and a greenhouse. Many of these native species are then re-released back into the wild helping to replenish depleted local populations. I also keep and raise live tarantulas (currently representing over 30 individual species, some of which are as large as a dinner plate), scorpions, giant millipedes (some almost a foot in length) and assorted other creepy crawlies…ALL OF WHICH CAN BE BROUGHT TO YOUR CLASSROOM OR LIBRARY!!!

I offer discussion groups for children within the classroom or library at very affordable rates. Prices include driving time and gas expenses. The presentation runs for about 45-50 minutes. The overall presentation is on general entomology but can be altered if you are teaching a specific type of entomology in your classroom. In addition to many preserved mounted specimens in display cases I also bring to the classroom LIVE tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, giant hissing cockroaches and other assorted creepy crawlies and they are all handled by me! My entomological background is varied enough to cater to all of your needs (and all discussions are presented on a non-scientific level so that everyone can understand what I am talking about). A SIDE NOTE: classes of 15-20 students work best because of the close interaction between me, the children and the live animals!

On occasion I also have available livestock of native butterflies and moths that you can hatch in your classroom. Usually they are overwintering cocoons of luna, cecropia or polyphemus moths. Availability & price varies depending on what I have available at the time. All cocoons come with a full color info/care sheet perfect for the classroom. Once these beautiful moths hatch, pump up and dry their wings they may be released into the wild as they are all native species.

RATES

Because of current gas prices, I charge $2.00 per child, regardless of the size of the class. For more information, e-mail me at bugguy01@cox.net.