Peek through the magnifiers to get a really close-up look at six very large and very REAL bugs, including a cockroach, a scorpion, a wasp, a cricket, a spider, and a beetle that shines! Each one is inside a clear acrylic globe on a small round base that can be turned from side to side. The globes can be moved, too, and all of them sit on a large round base. After you finish looking at one bug, use the red knob to move the base to look inside the next globe.

When you turn the globes and use the magnifiers, you can examine the top and underside of each bug. Notice the colors and patterns on each one’s body. Look for bugs with wings. Then count each one’s legs. How many do you see? What else do you notice about these bugs when you get a magnified look at them?

Next, peek at the life cycles of a locust, a cabbage worm, and a honeybee. How do these bugs change as they grow up? Compare the life stages of these bugs. What do you notice that’s the same about all three? What’s different?

Here’s a tricky fact: All insects are bugs—but not all bugs are insects! Some of the bugs in this exhibit are insects. What makes an insect an insect? Look at the books and check out the websites listed below—and many others—to find the answer!

You may never have thought bugs were interesting or beautiful. This exhibit will change your mind!