Insects make up somewhere from 70% to 90% of all animal species on Earth. They represent billions of dollars of value in crop pollination, in pest control and in the vital recycling of soil nutrients. Because of their paramount position on the planet, insects also find their way into museum collections.
Welcome modern adjuncts to inspecting dead bugs on pins, are insect zoos and butterfly gardens that feature living exhibits. The best known of these in the USA is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's O. Orkin Insect Zoo. (I can't help but point out the irony that the corporate sponsor, the Orkin company, is an exterminator!)
On my visit to the Orkin Zoo this spring, I enjoyed exploring a number of insect habitats. I got to make close-up observations of many beasties doing their thing behind plexi-glass. I thrilled to see the large, oh-wow species, however, I spent more time at the working honeybee colony. A huge window allows visitors to view the busy inner world. In addition, an opening to the outside of the building lets you keep tabs on bee comings and bee goings. To investigate more web resources offered by the NMNH, visit its Department of Entomology webpage.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has an insect zoo with tarantulas, praying mantises, stick insects, scorpions, and giant water bugs. This museum is also known for an excellent ant collection. The webpage has links to articles on silk moths, and Phorid flies that decapitate ants - yikes!
If you're in Cable, Wisconsin, catch Planet of the Insects at the Wisconsin Museum of Natural History. It explores insect diversity, highlights ways ecosystem health and human activities benefit and examines dangers posed by some insects. Find live and preserved insect specimens, fossils, models of insects and their habitats, videos and hands-on activities. Planet of the Insects runs through May 2002.
While you're in the state, The Milwaukee Public Museum offers the two-story glass Puelicher Butterfly Wing, where you may walk among the colorful, free-flying residents. A learning gallery and insect lab round out the educational experience.
Go To Page: 1 2
