Join Canada's BugQuest!
Join the nation-wide initiative to sample insects at hundreds of sites across Canada starting in 2026 and identify them using DNA barcoding. BugQuest connects schools and communities across the country in an exciting mission to uncover insect biodiversity. By joining the quest, participants help reveal the hidden species in their own schoolyards and contribute to Canada’s largest-ever insect survey.
Help us “DNA barcode ’em all!”
We provide all the equipment (trap, preservative, collecting bottles) and cover shipment and analysis costs – an in-kind value of $1000!
Launching in 2026!
Researchers at the University of Guelph's Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) are preparing to partner with schools and communities across Canada. Using advanced DNA barcoding techniques along with standardized insect sampling methods, we plan to build upon the success of the School Malaise Trap Program to highlight hidden biodiversity.
Who can participate?
- Schools: Elementary, middle, and high schools across Canada.
- Community sites: Parks, farms, gardens, zoos, camps, and other outdoor spaces.
- Other groups: Universities, museums, and citizen science programs are also welcome!
How does it work?
Apply online — we’ll review all submissions before selecting sampling sites.
Receive your Quest kit — includes trap, bottles, preservative, and shipping materials.
Deploy trap and collect samples weekly starting in Spring through Fall 2026.
Ship bug samples back using provided labels and prepaid shipping.
Get your results! — a biodiversity report showing what species were found at your site.
- Let us know if you are interested in multiple seasons of sampling.
Why participate?
What you’ll get:
- Insect trap and learning resources
- Reports for 2026 sampling will be provided in early 2027
- Includes list and photographs of species found
- Comparisons with other sites across the country
Why it matters:
- Help map Canada’s insect diversity
- Support conservation and long-term biodiversity monitoring
- Engage students and communities in hands-on, real-world science
Join the Quest!
- Community Sites (parks, farms, zoos, gardens, etc.):
- Set up a Malaise trap and collect weekly samples between May to October 2026 (or as long as possible depending on weather/location).
- Schools:
- Deploy a trap and collect in Fall 2026 and again in Spring 2027.
What You'll Discover
- A detailed site biodiversity report with species lists, images, and comparisons with other sites and previous surveys.
- A chance to contribute to a nation-wide quest to barcode all Canadian bugs.
- Educational materials on insects, biodiversity, and DNA barcoding.