The Microscopy Society of America and the Texas Society for Microscopy welcomes your participation in the 2026-27 Ugly Bug Contest.
Download Texas Ugly Bug Flyer Link to National Ugly Bug Contest
Who Can Participate?
The Ugly Bug contest is open to all Texas elementary schools (K-6th grade), public or private. Only one (1) bug per school may be submitted. If multiple classrooms submit bugs, we will hold a run-off election to pick the ugliest bug from your school.
What to Do?
1. Collect Bugs. Bugs must be native to Texas. Spiders, stinging insects, endangered inspects and scorpions will NOT be accepted.
2. Pick the ugliest or most unique bug. Small insects make the best entries!
3. Write a description of your ugly bug.
4. Contact the TSM Member Lab in your area to arrange for mailing or pickup by Friday, October 30, 2026. Be sure to include the provided entry form with your submission.
Where Do I Send My Bug?
What Happens Next?
Your bug will be processed and imaged with an electron microscope. Images will be available for online voting in January & February. Vote online for your favorite ugly bug at: https://uglybugcontest.org/
The school with the winning bug from Texas will receive a STEREO MICROSCOPE with camera and a slide kit in March!
The ugliest bug in Texas will then go on to compete for the ugliest bug in the nation! National voting will take place in April.
Complete List of Rules.
A complete list of contest rules and guidelines is available at https://uglybugcontest.org/.
Be sure to click on the link for Texas!
Download Documents
Deadlines
Oct. 30, 2026: Bug Submission Deadline
Oct–Dec, 2026: SEM Imaging at Local Facilities
Jan–Feb, 2027: Regional Online Voting (Texas)
Feb – March, 2027: Announcement of the Ugliest Bug in Texas
March 2027: National Online Voting
April 2027: Announcement of the Ugliest Bug of the Nation
National Ugly Bug Contest
