Category — Invertebrates

So where in the Zoo was this photo taken?

In the World of the Insect building, of course!

Did you know that we were the first zoo to devote an entire exhibit building to insects? World of the Insect opened back in 1978 and was honored with an Association of Zoos & Aquarium Exhibit Award. Showcasing a variety of six-legged species from bullet ants to taxicab beetles, the exhibit aims to foster an appreciation and respect for these amazing creatures. [Read more →]

Those of us who are fascinated by insects normally have to bring these small amazing animals into close perspective to get a good look. However, when I recently saw Cirque du Soleil’s show Ovo the opposite happened – many of the “insects” were bigger than me and I was effortlessly drawn into their world of wonder.
Performer costumes, make-up and movement are fanciful inspirations based on insect and spider shapes, colors and behaviors. Even with abundant artistic license, there’s enough detail so even casual insect-watchers know who’s who: red ants, green crickets, scarab beetles, butterflies and more, a seemingly endless diversity rivaling that actually found in Mother Nature. A continuing sketch includes a flirtatious ladybug and her amorous suitor resembling a wingless housefly who, in character with the adage “breeding like flies,” was enthusiastically procreative.

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