In August 2025, I went to NYC to take my youngest sister to Mamma Mia for her birthday (on a Wednesday) and attend her professional acting debut (that Friday).
That meant I was free to do what I wanted on Thursday, and I decided to take a bus down to Washington DC to do some bug*-related things that had been on my list.
Below is my series of Instagram reels, from what ended up being roughly 10 waking hours in DC. I made it count!
Part 1/8
I got off the bus at Union Station and headed straight to the National Mall, with just a few minor distractions along the way.
Part 2/8
With only a month or so left of this Insect exhibit at the art museum, this was the driving force that brought me to DC on this trip.
Part 3/8
My friend checked my location and saw I was at a pollinator garden and texted me “Of course you are!” 😂 I’m nothing if not predictable!
Part 4/8
My last trip to DC was in 2023, and I only learned about the Insect Zoo a week after that visit. Ever since, I’d been eager to return!
Part 5/8
All roads lead back to Florida!
Part 6/8
The bug hunt continued into the night!
Part 7/8
The firefly/glowworm hunt was in full force now!
Part 8/8
One final bug for the road.
*Bug disclosure:
Technically, “bug” refers to a specific type of insect in the order Hemiptera, but you’ll catch me using that word informally to refer to creepy-crawlies of all kinds (because that’s easier and more accessible to a wider audience than saying “terrestrial arthropods”).
Ecology Ellie 
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