World of Giant Insects exhibit at the Arizona Science Center

Bugs!

World of Giant Insects exhibit at the Arizona Science Center is a marvel of real (and reimaged) creepy crawlies.

By Julie Carlson

Bugs, bugs, bugs! There’s something for everyone at the new World of Giant Insects exhibit at the Arizona Science Center. Even for visitors who shiver just at the sight of creepy crawlies, the exhibit gives all guests a different perspective about insects.

Experience larger-than-life insects up close and personal. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about real larger-than-life insects, but animatronics created by renowned Kokoro Exhibits.

“Kokoro Exhibits is the original provider of museum-quality animatronics, recognized as a leader in the industry for 30 years and dedicated to the success of our clients by delivering superior products and customer service,” says Thom Furtado, chief operating officer of Kokoro Exhibits.

The World of Giant Insects runs through Sept. 5 and features six animatronics on display in vivid settings. The insects range in scale: the Chinese praying mantis shown is 60 times life size and stands at a whopping 20 feet. There’s also a desert locust that extends its wings and springs forward to take flight. You will see a fat, squishy lime swallowtail caterpillar munching on vegetation in preparation for its transformation into a butterfly. Other creatures are 40 to 120 times life size.

“The pneumatic (forced air) animatronics were designed and constructed in Japan to the highest engineering standards required for enduring the rigors of install, takedown, and travel between venues across America and still providing daily operation with minimal maintenance,” explains Thom.

The exhibit, located in the Sybil B. Harrington Galleries, also has a variety of interactive and educational stations. Guests can catch a glimpse of some live specimens like Madagascar hissing cockroaches, millipedes, and scorpions, too. And don’t forget to check out the insects that are native to Arizona. These displays are located in the Solarville houses on level four of the Science Center.

The Arizona Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibition ticket prices are $6 per person. However, this does not include general admission, which is $4 for members. Groups of 15 or more are $5 per person.

To learn more about The World of Giant Insects exhibit and other awesome hands-on-learning exhibits, visit azscience.org or call (602) 716-2000. The Arizona Science Center is located at 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.