Insect Encounters – Aug 26

/ , , , / , , , , , , , /

Dr. Vernard Lewis first encountered insects as a child, capturing grasshoppers and ants in California’s central valley. Since then, he has traveled to fifty countries to discuss many creepy-crawlies, sometimes as a member of the United Nations Global Termite Expert Group. This Wonderfest event offers a rather personal account of a bug-rich life, including oakworm adventures on Mt. Tamalpais, and (tiny) pest removal at San Quentin Prison. Dr. Lewis will share “field experiences” with termites, with bedbugs, with cockroaches, and with courtrooms (as an expert witness). He will also display real insects — both dead and alive — and the damage they can do.

Our Wonderfest speaker is Vernard Lewis, Cooperative Extension Specialist (emeritus) at UC Berkeley. Dr. Lewis has earned three degrees in entomology, and is a global authority on termites.


Dr. Vernard Lewis

WHAT: My Weird Encounters with Insects
WHO: Dr. Vernard Lewis, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Emeritus [https://ourenvironment.berkeley.edu/people/vernard-lewis]
WHERE: HopMonk Tavern, 114 Vintage Way, Novato CA 94945 [https://www.hopmonk.com/novato]
WHEN: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 — 7pm (1.5 hr)
HOW: This event is free and unticketed ... and valuable. But what value does it have FOR YOU (and, indirectly, for society)? Accordingly, please use the DONATE button (below) to support Wonderfest in its nonprofit mission to share the scientific outlook.
Donate