Buggin’ Out with the Missoula Insectarium

Bugs. The older we get the less we remember how cool bugs are and how much we can learn about them.

The other day, Glenn from the Missoula Insectarium stopped by the 107.5 ZooFM studio and brought along some friends to share with me.

First up was an Australian Walking Stick. He danced around mimicking a dead leaf as a defense mechanism! In this species, females can reproduce parthenogenically - without a male - creating little "mini me" versions of themselves. The only way a male can be born is if the female actually mates with a male.

Then there was Monty, who is a Northern Scorpion and a native to Montanan. He is one of the widest ranging scorpion species in North America. He also lights up like a glow stick when subjected to ultraviolet light!

Hercules, who is literally a Hercules Beetle also made an appearance. He is one of the largest species of beetle in the world and lives in the jungles of Central and South America. They are said to be the strongest creature on earth for its size, with the capability of carrying 850 times its own body weight.

Glenn also brought his own personal Arizona Blonde Tarantula named Rio. She is apart of a very slow growing species of tarantula. Males mature at 8 to 12 years of age and typically do not live long after mating (bummer dude). Females can live up to 25 years or more.

The Missoula Insectarium offers so many day camps for your kids including Schools Out Day Camps and summer day camps. They are also a huge hit for kids and adult birthday parties! Check them out at www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org!!!