Year of the Beetle (2021)

Performing Live in North Carolina State Parks – It's The Beetles!

Year of the Beetle banner for NC State Parks

Every year, North Carolina State Parks has celebrated an annual theme in all of our state parks. Programs, festivals and events throughout the state support the annual theme.

The Interpretive and Education Council, a diverse group of park staff members from across the state, selects the theme each year based on suggestions and nominations.

A unique collectible bandana for the annual theme is available for sale at the park webstore or at each park office and visitor center.

Below are some resources for park staff and educators to tie in to the 2021 annual theme.

A golden tortoise beetle on a leaf at Merchants Millpond State Park
Golden tortoise beetle, Charidotella sexpunctata. Photo taken at Merchants Millpond State Park by F. Williams.

Interpretive programs

Comparison of what a glow worm looks like in the dark on the left, and what it looks like when the camera flash is on
The larva of a glowworm beetle, Phengodes sp. Left photo taken as seen in the dark and right photo taken with flash. Photo taken at Raven Rock State Park by J. Davidson and P. Terry.

Classroom Resources

The larva of a multicolored Asian lady beetle at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
The larva of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis. Photo taken at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area by K. Nealson.

Field resources

A six-spotted flower longhorn on a flower at Carvers Creek State Park
Six-spotted flower longhorn, Strangalia sexnotata. Photo taken at Carvers Creek State Park by E. Corey.

Other resources