Insect Workshops

Join Pretty Dead Taxidermy for two buggy workshops!

Flutter alongside the Majestic Monarch Butterflies and splash around with the Tremendous Toe Biter (or Giant Water Bug) while discovering their majestic wings and fascinating tales. Get hands-on with these Alberta natives and explore their scientific significance. It's a bug's life with a twist!

Disclaimer: Pretty Dead Taxidermy prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices in procuring the specimens used in this workshop. These chemical-free workshops ensure safety and eco-friendliness.

Workshops

JULY 20 & 21, 2024

Majestic Monarchs

Become a "Butterfly Buff" as you explore the captivating life cycles of Monarch Butterflies. Learn to prepare, pin, and preserve specimens for both science and art. Get hands-on with real Monarch specimens and discover the science behind these majestic creatures.

Learn how to make your local environment more Monarch-friendly and support their survival and migration. Leave with new preservation skills, a deeper love for butterflies, a commitment to ethical practices, and your very own specimen to take home.

Flutter into action and help make the community a haven for Butterflies!

This experience includes:

90-minute workshop including two butterfly specimens.

All equipment and tools will be provided.

A sticker sheet of native Butterflies and Moths.

Plantable seed paper with wildflower seeds along with instructions.

General Admission to TELUS Spark that includes access to Bugs & Bytes Summer Science @ Spark!

Crash course in Butterfly Entomology.

Opportunity to purchase more specimens to expand your collection at home.

Schedule for July 20:

Workshop 1: 12:30 – 2:00 PM (capacity 20 people)

Workshop 2: 2:30 – 4:00 PM (capacity 20 people)

Schedule for July 21:

Workshop 1: 10:00 – 11:30 AM (capacity 20 people)

Workshop 2: 12:30 – 2:00 PM (capacity 20 people)

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AUGUST 18, 2024

Tremendous Toe Biters

Learn to pin down a Giant Water Bug (aka Toe Biter) for science or art. Get up close and personal with these aquatic hunters, commonly found lurking in Alberta's waterways. But fear not! This workshop features captive specimens, not wild giants—so no need to worry about their infamous bites!

Leave with bug-tiful new skills and tools, plus a deeper understanding of ethical insect preservation. Discover what makes Giant Water Bugs bug-tastic and join the conservation efforts!

This experience includes:

90-minute workshop including one Toe Biter for participants to work on and take home!

All equipment and tools will be provided.

A sticker sheet of native Alberta insects.

Plantable seed paper with wildflower seeds along with instructions.

General Admission to TELUS Spark that includes access to Bugs & Bytes Summer Science @ Spark!

Crash course in Entomology with a focus on Toe Biters and other native Alberta insects.

Opportunity to purchase more specimens to expand your collection at home.

Schedule: