ASU-Ask A Biologist - Ugly Bug Contest

We have been working with biologists from Northern Arizona University Imaging and Histology Core Facility, the International Institute for Species Exploration, and the ASU W. M. Keck Bioimaging Laboratory to bring you their Ugly Bug contestants for 2008.

Thank you for voting in this year’s Ugliest Bug Contest and remember...Ugly is only cuticle deep.

graph of votes

Look below for the description of the 2008 contestants. You can also download the ugly bug companion coloring pages and become a make-up artist for these bug stars and/or get your own Ugly Bug 2008 Poster.

: I glow even as a larvae... Learn more about Firefly.

: I’m so ugly I have no enemies... Learn more about Pill Bug.

: I spray to keep you away... Learn more about Stink Beetle.

: I feed on blood... Learn more about Tick.

Tick: Winner of Ugly Bug Contest 2008

: I kill plants for a living... Learn more about June Bug.

: I love the nightlife... Learn more about Moth.

: You might find me in your cereal... Learn more about Weevil.

The Ugly Bug Contest has been part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and Mt. Campus Science Day since 1997. Ask-a-Biologist is pleased to extend the contest to the world via the Web. Congratulations to the Tick for being 2008 Ugliest Bug Winner. Be sure to add us to your calendar to vote every year.