Insect Exhibition: A Glimpse into the Entomology Showcase at Agriculture Education Day 2025
- Indian Entomologist
- Dec 24, 2025
- 5 min read
by M. Rajashekhar, Sushma Reddy, S. Upendhar, V. Lakshmi Narayanamma and C. Narendra Reddy
The Agricultural Entomology stall was one of the most attractive and informative sections of the Agricultural Education Day exhibition conducted on 3rd December 2025 at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad. It served as an interactive platform to highlight the vital role of insects in agriculture, both as destructive pests and beneficial organisms. The primary objective of the stall was to create awareness among students, researchers and the general public about insect diversity, pest identification, sustainable pest management practices and a wide range of economic and ecological benefits of insects. By combining scientific information with creative and practical displays, exhibits at the stall successfully captured the interest of visitors of all age groups and educational backgrounds.
One of the main attractions of the stall was the display of pest insects, where several important agricultural pests were maintained in transparent cages along with their host plants. Specimens were shown in their natural feeding positions. The visible damage symptoms on plant parts helped visitors understand how these pests affect crops in real field conditions. Alongside the live pests, an insect museum was arranged with carefully preserved specimens displayed in glass covered wooden boxes. The collection included major crop pests, beneficial insects, pollinators, predators, parasitoids and other economically important species. Life cycle stages of different insects, including egg, larva, pupa and adult were also displayed, giving visitors a clear understanding of insect metamorphosis. This section enabled students and visitors to understand and appreciate the rich diversity of insects, their varied forms and complex life cycles in a scientific manner.
There was also a separate section focused on stored grain pests and improved storage practices. Common pests like rice weevil, grain moth and khapra beetle were displayed along with damaged grain samples. Different storage methods were also demonstrated, including traditional jute bags, improved hermetic bags, metal bins and modern storage structures. This section highlighted the importance of scientific storage methods for storing grains after harvest to reduce post-harvest losses through scientific storage methods.
Various insect collection and monitoring tools were also displayed. These included light traps, sticky traps, pheromone traps, pitfall traps and bucket traps. Visitors learnt how these traps are used to monitor and control pest populations. Alongside, different types of sprayers used in crop protection, such as hand compression sprayers, knapsack sprayers, power sprayers and dusters were also exhibited. In addition, different tools and equipment used in vertebrate pest management, such as solar fencing, bird scarers and ultrasonic devices were shown to create awareness about managing rats and birds that cause serious losses to crops and stored grains.
Integrated pest management was another key feature of the stall. Models, charts and posters explained the different components of IPM such as cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control methods. Practices like crop rotation, field sanitation, use of resistant varieties, handpicking of insects, installation of traps, bird perches, use of herbal pesticides like neem and the importance of conserving insects which are natural enemies of pests were clearly demonstrated. The concept of using chemicals only as a last resort was emphasized, underscoring the importance of protecting the environment and human health from harmful pesticide exposure.
Biological control agents formed an important part of the exhibition. Live cultures of natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, green lacewings, parasitoids (Trichogramma egg cards), formulations of fungal pathogens like Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicilium lecani and Metarhizium anisopliae were displayed. Their role in naturally suppressing pest populations without harming the environment was clearly explained stating biological control as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.
Special sections were dedicated to apiculture and sericulture. In the apiculture display, beehives, honeycombs, honey extractors, bee smokers and protective clothing were exhibited. The role of bees in pollination and their importance in increasing crop yield were clearly explained. Various honey products and bee wax items were also displayed to highlight their commercial values. In the sericulture section, live silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves along with cocoons and silk threads were shown. The life cycle of the silkworm and the process of silk production were explained in detail, highlighting the employment opportunities and income generation potential of sericulture in rural areas. Samples of raw lac, seed lac and processed shellac were also showcased.
Another innovative section focused on the Black Soldier Fly and its emerging commercial importance along with working models. The display explained how Black Soldier Fly larvae can efficiently convert organic waste into valuable protein rich biomass and organic manure. Its use in poultry, fish and livestock feed, as well as in waste management systems was explained, stressing on its contribution to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
One of the most unique sections of the stall was the display on entomophagy or the use of insects as food. Food items prepared from edible insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms, along with information charts, highlighted their high protein content, low environmental impact and potential to serve as a sustainable food source for the future. This section encouraged visitors to think differently about insects and consider their role in ensuring food and nutritional security.
A captivating section showcased artistic and commercial products made from insects. Beautiful resin art pieces containing preserved insects along with attractive scented bee wax candles were displayed. A variety of insect-based products, including beetle earrings, wing ornaments, butterfly pendants, resin-embedded accessories, as well as beeswax candles, lip balms, and soaps, were put up for sale. These creative items demonstrated how insects can be used in eco-friendly art, decoration and small-scale businesses.
To make the learning experience more enjoyable and interactive, an entomology themed photo booth was also set up. Insects like butterflies, honeybees, dragonflies and beetles, along with colourful honeycombs, silk cocoons provided a fun opportunity for visitors to take photographs. This section attracted school children and added an element of creativity and engagement to the stall while still promoting awareness about the importance of insects in ecosystems.
Overall, the Agricultural Entomology stall proved to be a highly educational, engaging, and inspiring experience. It effectively demonstrated the importance of insects in agriculture, ecology, industry, and art. By promoting eco-friendly pest management, sustainable uses of insects, and scientific awareness, the stall played a significant role in educating visitors and fostering a positive, informed attitude toward agricultural entomology and biodiversity conservation.
About the authors:
M. Rajashekhar, Assistant professor, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
Email: razshekarm@gmail.com
Sushma Reddy, Ph. D. Scholar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
S. Upendhar, Professor, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
V. Lakshmi Narayanamma, Professor, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
C. Narendra Reddy, Professor, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
Disclaimer: The contents, style, language, plagiarism, references, mention of any products if any, etc., are the sole responsibility of the author
This was such an enlightening read. The way you’ve captured the highlights of the Insect Exhibition at Agriculture Education Day 2025 makes it clear how important and fascinating entomology is, not just for science students, but for anyone interested in biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. I especially enjoyed the insights into the variety of showcased species and the educational activities that helped connect people with the role insects play in our ecosystems.
Thank you for sharing this engaging recap, events like these help spark curiosity and appreciation for the tiny yet vital creatures that impact our food systems and natural world. Looking forward to more updates on future entomology initiatives.
https://sipc.in/