Wild World of Bugs

Wild World of Bugs Exhibit

Wild World of Bugs

A Magnified Look into a Bug's Life!

Explore the fascinating lives of insects through graphic displays, hands-on activities and larger-than-life models.

The Wild World of Bugs magnifies our connection to the insects of planet earth through interactions that focus on insect anatomy, habitats and behavior, survival strategies, eating habits and other topics in entomology.

Things to See and Do

CHECK OUT HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Experience the world of bugs with a mixture of modern and traditional exhibits. New hands-on interactive activities include a reaction time challenge where you can measure up against flies and other quick insects, and (coming soon) a wind-tunnel to give bugs a test-flight. You can also get creative at a build-a-bug station or try your hand at the roly-poly skee ball game.  

Insects have some of the most effective camouflage in the animal kingdom, try your skill at finding the hidden insects in our "Cryptic Critters" touch-screen game. “Insect Predators” puts the player in the role of a desert predator—like a roadrunner or grasshopper mouse—to collect as much of their preferred insect prey as possible in the time allotted.

VISIT THE BUG BISTRO AND BEEHIVE BOOK NOOK

The Bug Bistro illustrates the interesting ways insects get their meals through a creative take on a familiar restaurant environment. Visitors will find humorous menus and touchable displays depicting café plates filled with the culinary favorites of dung beetles, butterflies and other bugs. The Beehive Book Nook features a macro-sized honeycomb structure that kids can relax and read a book in while learning about the important roles insects play in the health of the planet.

SEE INSECTS, LIVE!

Madagascar hissing cockroaches and blue death-feigning beetles will delight and fascinate visitors with their unique behaviors.

LEARN ABOUT INSECT HOMES AND LIFESTYLES

Several displays will illustrate the fascinating world of social insects–like ants and wasps–with detailed dioramas, examples of hives and nests and interactive displays.


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Thanks to these donors, contributors, and collaborators for making this exhibit possible!


PRESENTED BY

Armstrong McDonald Foundation
Ruth McCormick Tankersley Charitable Trust
Tucson Electric Power

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Connie Hillman Family Foundation
Joseph Stanley Leeds Foundation
University of Arizona College of Science
William & Mary Ross Foundation

COLLABORATORS AND CONTRIBUTORS

"Wild World of Bugs" features many amazing arthropod photos captured by clinical microbiologist, naturalist and photographer Jillian Cowles. In addition to her work on display at Flandrau her photographs have appeared in many books and publications, including "Amazing Arachnids" and more.
 
Gene Hall oversees the University of Arizona Insect Collection and generously helped in the creation of "Wild World of Bugs". Many of the wonderful pinned specimens on display were selected and prepared by Gene. He also lent his expertise to review the information conveyed throughout the exhibit.
 
UA Entomologist and insect outreach champion Dr. Kathleen Walker helped Flandrau with the development of the exhibit as well as helping create the fascinating live specimens displays. She also directs the "Insect Discovery Outreach Program" which is hosted by Flandrau and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. This program is designed to stimulate  children's scientific curiosity through hands-on activities using live and preserved insects.