Conference in Whanganui offers big treats for bug fanciers

Mealy bugs will be among the topics to be discussed at the Entomological Society of NZ conference in Whanganui this week. Photo / Supplied

Bugs, bees and invasive species will be discussed and studied at length as Whanganui hosts the 67th New Zealand Entomological Society Conference this week.

The conference begins at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre's Pioneer Room on Tuesday where visiting and local experts will make oral presentations on topics such as mealy bugs in New Zealand vineyards, prevention of exotic pests of honey bees, a giant weta breeding programme and much more.

There will be field trips to Bushy Park, dinners, barbecues and a chance to view Wonder of the Insect World - an exhibition of photographs of insects, spiders and other invertebrates taken for a Whanganui competition at Gallery on Guyton.

The competition was judged by Whanganui local artist Su Hendeles, curator and public programmes manager of the Sarjeant Gallery Greg Donson, and NZ Birds photographer Ormond Torr.

The winning work by Whanganui's Tom Miles is a photograph taken in Kewstoke, England, of a ruby-tailed wasp.

Information is available at the registration desk in the Stewart Foyer at the War Memorial Centre.

Registration begins from 8.30am today and Wonder of the Insect World is open for viewing at 62 Guyton St from 12pm to 4pm until April 14.

The conference is sponsored by the Ministry for Primary Industries, Scion Research, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua, Plant and Food Research, and the Whanganui Regional Museum.