IMAGINING INSECTS

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Sept 2025–Summer 2026

Interactive exhibition includes live enclosures, rare pinned specimens, and 13-foot mantis

(LANCASTER)—From the North Museum of Nature and Science’s 360,000+ objects in its collections, a new exhibition brings forward its cache of Entomology treasures for Imagining Insects, opening on Saturday, September 27. Highlighting Apterygota (wingless insects) and Pterygota (winged insects) species, this show, presented in both English and Spanish languages, includes multiple live insect enclosures and rare and unique pinned specimens from the museum’s Entomology collections.

North Museum’s one-of-a-kind exhibition enables visitors to look closer at insects and marvel at the feats they can achieve and the wondrous ways they have evolved. Imagining Insects, fully curated and designed by North Museum, will explore what it means to be an insect and how we can take inspiration from their lives, bodies, and roles in the environment.

Imagining Insects examines animals from a global level, then scales down to the anatomical structures that make them insects. Visitors will start by learning how and why scientists study insects before viewing insects in a broader human cultural context, then look at insects’ roles in the environment, from what they eat to how they reshape their landscape, to how some have evolved with complex social structures. A wall-mounted 24′ long mantis replica reveals even more about insect anatomy and how their bodies are built.

North Museum’s Exhibits and Collections Manager Molly Wolanski explains,

“Visitors to the exhibition will learn answers to curious questions, like why do bumblebees buzz? Why are some bugs shiny? How do beetles climb walls and stick to surfaces? How can insects inspire you to create a better future? This is an opportunity to see unique specimens from the depths of the museum’s collections.”

The show will fascinate both adults and children of all ages, with interactive bug goggles, microscope, and art activities. Imagining Insects continues through Summer 2026.

Exhibition sponsors are Dr. Richard M. Fantazier, in memory of Robert J. Fantazier, and Oaktree Development Group.

Content Contributors: Jonathan Fantazier; Josh Kulak; Peter Licona