A 21-year-old naturalist is batting for the hardy bug family with a month-long series of trails and workshops this August
Spotted Ladybird
Just a few decades ago, what naturalist Trupaank Gautam is about to tell us might have garnered some strange looks. “The beetles are underrated,” he declares. It comes as some relief that he’s talking about the (mostly) friendly bugs you’ll find at home, in gardens and Mumbai’s vast green covers. “If there’s a month dedicated to butterflies [September], why not for this expansive family of bugs that exhibit exceptional diversity? I’m hoping to turn August into beetle month aka Beetle Bash,” he reveals.
Firefly, Click Beetle and Leaf Beetle
A Zoology alumnus from KJ Somaiya College of Science and Commerce (KJSCSC) and a Master’s in Wildlife Conservation student, Gautam’s story with bugs goes way back. “I met my mentor naturalist and researcher Dr Amol Patwardhan in KJSCSC which sparked an interest for insects in me. In February 2024, I started interning at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) to learn from the best teacher — nature,” he tells us.
Last year, 21-year-old Gautam made a similar attempt with a week-long celebration of beetles. “This year, we’re going big. I’m collaborating with institutions and experts for a 360-degree festival,” he says. Panel discussion with zoo-entomologist Harshad Parekar, Dr Patwardhan, and Drashti Danani, a PhD student in Entomology with a focus on the beetles of SGNP, will make one part of the celebrations.
Scarab Beetle
“This is the ideal time to spot beetles in the city. With the monsoon past its peak, the forest is still moist, but not flooded. The visually striking jewel beetles and leaf beetles are most active during this time,” Gautam reveals. Starting with a trail at the SGNP North Division (Yeoor), subsequent trails at the Bombay Natural History Society Conservation and Education Centre, and the Maharashtra Nature Park will open the world of beetles to Mumbaikars. “The North Division of SGNP remains lesser-explored compared to the Borivli region. I hope we can bring some attention to its biodiversity,” he remarks.
Trupaank Gautam
Word in the jungle is that Gautam has his eyes set on building a workshop series for young Mumbaikars. A multi-level programme will first introduce participants to basic identification of beetles, and build upon it to reveal more secrets. “I’m gathering experts and planning the schedule for the series. Thankfully, all of them have been extremely supportive,” he adds.
While you might not spot the budding naturalist among decorated panels and news headlines, help is at hand from familiar faces like nature educator Sahir Doshi, SGNP nature education officer Akash Mhadgut and 2024 Sanctuary Asia Young Naturalist Awardee Meehir Pawar. Like the fascinating bugs’ namesakes aptly put it, he’ll get by with a little help from his friends.
Participants on a previous trail in Nagla Block SGNP (North Division). PICS COURTESY/TRUPAANK GAUTAM
ON August 1 to 31
AT Multiple locations across Mumbai
LOG ON TO @beetle.bash (for schedule and registrations)
Spot me if you can
Leaf beetles: This family of beetles feed on a variety of plant tissue. Thriving in the monsoon, these are all around you this season.
Scarab beetles: One of the most recognisable groups, these beetles are fierce and stand out with their characteristic antennae. Spot these nocturnal bugs prowling post sunset.
Lady bugs: Bright coloured and spotted, these popular beetles are a farmer’s best friends. These cute-looking little bugs are predators to a large range of insect pests.
Weevils: Speak of the pest… You can spot these beetles that are no longer than 6 mm, with elongated snouts attack your rice and grain boxes, if you’re a clumsy bug yourself.
Pick your trail
The naturalist reveals the best trails in the city to meet the beetles this monsoon:
>> Karvi Trail, BNHS
>> Leopard Trail, BNHS
>> Chenna Trail, SGNP Yeoor
>> Nagla Block, SGNP Yeoor
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