Launched in fall 2024, the club meets every other week and discusses various topics such as insect mimicry — when insects pretend to be another creature to avoid being eaten — or insect idioms, like the meaning behind the phrase “bee’s knees.” The club can also be found at social events on campus throughout the year, sharing Poet Pride and insect information.
Students don’t have to be members to benefit from the club’s education. See a bug in between classes that you don’t recognize? Take a picture and send it in. Members post the picture on social media, accompanied by fun facts, and submissions are encouraged. The club’s popularity is why it recently won a Social Media Engagement Award.
President Emily Perez-Medina ’26, a biology major who created a Whittier Scholars Program minor about insects and arthropods and their role in society, founded the club. She loves the bold jumping spider and she hopes to pursue a graduate education and career as an entomologist.
“I am a huge advocate for supporting the little guy,” Perez-Medina said, adding that she’s seen people overcome their fears because of the club. “Insects don't really get the reputation they deserve. This club is reducing the stigma of insects being gross, scary, or dangerous, because they do a lot more for the environment than we think.”
To learn more about the club and join, visit @wcbugclub on Instagram or email bugclub@poets.whittier.edu.
Have a good story idea? Share it with us.
