The World of Giant
Insects
June 17, 2006 - September 10,
2006
The World of Giant Insects exhibit transported visitors
to another world where bugs tower over people. Five hugely
magnified robotic insects allowed visitors to more clearly observe
some of the behaviors and adaptations that have enabled these
creatures to thrive. A 19-foot-long praying mantis showed
threatening behavior, causing its prey to freeze, to avoid being
eaten. A 13-foot-long locust spread its wings. Two 11-foot-long
rhinoceros beetles fought, each the size of a Volkswagen...um...
beetle. A giant walking stick, over 21 feet long, displayed its
protective camouflage. And at 15 feet, a swallowtail butterfly
caterpillar is the biggest wiggler you'll ever see.
Also on display were three giant insect heads with mouthpieces the
visitor operated by pushing a button. In addition to these giant
creatures, there were a number of live insects on display. These
giant robotic insects are from Kokoro, the company responsible for
the Museum's fall 2005 exhibit of robotic, ice-age mammals. This
time, on exhibit are animals still living on earth that far
outnumber humans.
Sponsors
- Janet & Luther Ott Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson
- Gertrude C. Ford Foundation
- Merrill Lynch
- Trustmark Bank
