Neelendra Joshi, a graduate student in the
Penn State Entomology Department,
made friends with this praying mantis.
They entertained many as they
walked throughout the Fair!

This African giant millipede is
always a popular attraction in the zoo.
It is native to western Africa
and feeds on plants and fruit.
Their major predator defense is
to curl into a tight,
armored ball

Displays included this screened box
containing several species of butterflies that
can be found in Pennsylvania.

A new butterfly house is being
planned and should
be finished before
the 2007 Great Insect Fair.

Praying mantises were a main attraction in
the insect zoo.
There are two species
in Pennsylvania:
the smaller is originally from
Europe and the larger one is
originally from Asia. It is called the
Chinese mantid.
Both are voracious predators
and lay eggs in masses of foam.
The foam hardens and
protects the eggs
through winter.