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 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 can be altered to suit your individual classroom needs (for example I can do a presentation that is 30 minutes long or even 60 depending on how much time you have available. I can also simplify presentations for younger students). 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 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!

A smaller, believe it or not, example of a Giant African Millipede!

The Emperor Scorpion, Pandinus imperator, from Africa. This is one of the world's largest species of scorpion.

RATES Because of gas prices I am now charging $2.50 per child for presentations within Rhode Island. Presentations outside of the RI area will have to be quoted individually.

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.

INSECT DISPLAYS FOR THE CLASSROOM If you are a science teacher or someone who just likes mounted insects, I can specially design displays to fit your classroom needs. All specimens are legally obtained and very affordable. Why look at pictures in a book showing the anatomy of an insect when you can show your students an actual specimen with all of its major body parts labelled? I offer a wide variety of display cases as well as hundreds of specimens to choose from.

A male hissing cockroach from Madagascar.

CONTACT INFO:

bugguy01@cox.net

E-mail address:

Return to Home Page