Insects and Other Arthropods Visit the NC Arboretum
in New Traveling Science Exhibit

Beginning January 19, 2008 and continuing through May 11, 2008, the Arboretum will present “Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders,” an exhibit that displays living and mounted insects and other arthropods from around the world. Located in and around the Baker Exhibit Center, the first science-based exhibit to be held at the Arboretum will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and Noon to 5 p.m., Sundays.

Reminiscent of a circus sideshow, the exhibit will feature more than two-dozen bizarre creatures ranging from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to bird-eating tarantulas. The exhibit hall will be divided into eight sections, each representing a different concept based on the natural history of the animal on display. Visitors will be educated about physiological aspects of arthropods and will learn about metamorphosis, unusual life cycles, defense mechanisms and other strange behaviors of insects. Interactive displays will illustrate certain myths and common misconceptions about the bug world.

For the duration of “Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders,” the Arboretum’s exhibit greenhouse will function as a butterfly house with a corresponding exhibit called “Winged Transformers.” The wonder of metamorphosis will be revealed as butterflies emerge from their chrysalides and feed from nectar plants as adults. The Arboretum will provide nectar that can be placed in visitors’ hands for feeding. Four native species will be featured in the butterfly house: Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Painted Ladies and Red Admirals.

Gigantic steel bug sculptures designed and crafted by Jeff Gundlach will also be creeping along the Arboretum grounds as part of “Dr. Entomo.” Enormous ants and spiders will greet visitors as they drive along the Arboretum’s main entrance and approach the Baker Exhibit Center. Also included is a huge beetle sculpture made from recycled automotive panels and sprinkler pipe. Gundlach is an Asheville, North Carolina resident who has a B.A. in fine art and printmaking from Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio.

Special exhibit programs include:

• Insect Film Festival - free screenings each weekend day at 2 p.m.
  February 2 and 3, Microcosmos (1996)
  February 9 and 10, Them! (1954)
  February 16 and 17, A Bug’s Life (1998)
  February 23 and 24, The Fly (1958)
  
• “Gardening for Butterflies,” a lecture series where Arboretum staff teach participants how to design a garden habitat that will attract butterflies. Thursday, February 21 at 10 a.m. in the Education Center.

“Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders” is suitable for visitors of all ages and was previously hosted by the Delaware Museum of Natural History and the Oshkosh Public Museum.

School groups must register ten days in advance for visits, tours, special programs and field trips. Themed birthday parties are also available by appointment. Call the Arboretum at 828-665-2492 to register.