Not bugging this time

Lolita Harper

Loco lobsters, coo-coo crabs, shrimp that need a shrink and barnacles

gone bonkers are all the stars of Saturday’s program in Upper Newport

Bay titled “Crazy Crustaceans with Dr. Sue.”

Entomologist Sue Van Vorhis Key, known for her traveling bug

exhibit, will push her insect passion aside this weekend to focus on

those crusty little critters that live in our waters. Newport-Mesa

children will have a chance to learn all about crustaceans during the

hands-on program at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

The bug doctor -- as Van Vorhis Key is informally called --

designs her programs to dispel the myths and misconceptions of those

crawling critters that live among us, with the use of live animals,

accurate models, artifacts and puppets. Van Vorhis Key said her

programs create a lasting understanding and impression of the

diversity and design of nature’s many-legged creatures.

Van Vorhis Key said she is “bugging kids to learn.”

Candice McIntyre, who coordinates the programs at the center, said

Van Vorhis Key is a favorite at the Upper Newport Bay, and they try

to book her programs as often as possible.

“The kids love her,” McIntyre said. “I have a 6-year-old nephew

and he is always asking me, ‘When is she coming back?’”

Programs such as “Crazy Crustaceans” really engage the children

and they end up grasping the information because they are having so

much fun, McIntyre said.

Dr. Sue reads stories and provides crafts in a lively and

captivating way, she added.

“I think the kids really get a lot out of it when they can see it

and touch it,” McIntyre said.

“The Bug Lady” will visit from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the

Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive,

Newport Beach. The cost is $10 for children ages 5 and older.

Information and reservations, call (949) 923-2275.