Bug of the Week February 23, 2009
Winners of the 2009 Bug of the Week Academy Awards
The Bug of the Week Academy is delighted to recognize the accomplishments of the nominees for the 2009 Bug of the Week Academy Awards. The Academy Award of Merit for bugs is known as the “Willie”. It depicts a newly emerged periodical cicada nymph - a symbol of hard work, determination, and ultimate triumph over adversity. You, the members of the Bug of the Week Academy, have cast your ballots and it is time to announce the recipients of this year’s Willies.
The Willie for the for best live action bug film goes to insatiable Zebra butterfly caterpillar, Heliconius charitonius, in “Savvy Zebras – Zebra butterflies, Heliconius charitonius" for making leaves of passion flower disappear faster than investments with Bernard Madoff.
The Willie for the for scariest predator goes to the six-spotted green tiger beetle, Cicindela sexguttata as every small insect’s worst nightmare in "Tigers in the woods”.
The Willie for most beautiful insect goes to the gorgeous golden helicon for its stunning portrayal of itself in the autobiography “Bugs in orange and black IV – Golden Helicon butterfly, Heliconius hecale”.
To all of you that voted, our sincerest thanks. We hope that you enjoyed our Academy Awards. We will have another crop of fine nominees at this time next year. Spring is just around the corner
and after a few more visits to the tropical rainforest in Belize we can’t wait to kick off our fifth season of Bug of the Week. Stay tuned.
by Michael J. Raupp, Professor
Photo(s) copyright: Michael J. Raupp
