I promise to leave off with the bugs for a while, but first I have to give all sorts of thumbs up for Don Ehlen of Insect Safari (no website to be found. Anyone?). He’s friendly, he knows his stuff, and he handles his bugs like they both know who’s boss. And that’s really what you want out of your entomologist.

My mission today was clear. While I was in China last month I picked up a bracelet with a nifty bug in it, but no one spoke enough English to tell me just what sort of bug it was. My whole plan this afternoon was to find out what kind of Chinese jungle bug I’ve been wearing around town. When I walked up and showed it to Don, he knew right away. He led me over to one of the cases and explained that it was like these ones, here–it was a juvenile Hemioptera. (That’s right, I’ve been walking around town with a dead adolescent stinkbug on my wrist. Awesome.)

Don’s next public appearance seems to be on November 5th, 2 p.m. at the Shoreline Library [#], but his business card says that he’s available for schools, field trips, and parties. It’s that last bit that I want to point out to you. Parties. I dare you, Seattle, to have this guy bring his bugs to your next party. It’s practically guaranteed to make your gathering the one that everyone talks about for the rest of the year.