TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The Troy University Naturalist Club held its annual Bugs N Burgers event on Thursday.

No, the bugs weren’t in the burgers, but they were all around the Arboretum. The Naturalist Club ethically trapped and observed many types of creepy crawlies at their event, giving students a chance to get up close and personal with the insects.

“We hang up moth sheets and the moth sheets let out different wavelengths of light and they attract a lot of moths and other insects for us to observe and identify,” said Fisher Parrish, a Naturalist Club member and graduate student.

The sheets were illuminated with white and black light, which attract insects, though the scientific community still hasn’t quite figured out why.

“The best explanation seems to be that they’re using lights to navigate,” said Dr. Chelsea Smith, a lecturer of biology and environmental science.

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The event not only attracts bugs, but a swarm of students.

“Each year we’ve gained support and had more and more people show up so we’re hoping to continue this within the future and let everybody observe the amazing biodiversity within the state of Alabama,” Fisher said.

Attendees want students to know bugs are not as bad their reputation may make them seem. Some bugs just want to hang out.

“They are everywhere, they’re in the environment,” Smith said. “Most of them don’t mean you harm.

“I think a lot of people are kind of caught up just knowing about the dangerous ones cause those are the ones you’re taught to watch out for. Hopefully by having come out here they’ll see the huge variety of insects and other arthropods that are just here, they’re all around us, in a fun atmosphere.”

The naturalist club is also competing in a state-wide competition called the Marble Bowl.

“It’s documenting Alabama’s biodiversity, wether it’s insects, plants, animals, anything,” Parrish said. “This is a good event to kind of document some of our night flying or crawling creatures.”

To join Troy University’s Marble Bowl team, simply download the I-Naturalist app, search Marble Bowl 2026, choose Troy University and join the team. To keep up to date with the latest buzz from the Troy naturalist club, follow them on Instagram @troynaturalistclub.