Tucked in the back of Cedar Street Building B, some of the University of Georgia’s smallest residents are waiting to meet you.
There’s Ms. Bonnie, a 14-year-old tarantula; Clawd, a glow-in-the-dark “spicy land lobster”; and dozens of other insects and arachnids that call UGA’s newly renovated Insect Zoo home.
Previously, the bugs were housed in a small closet on the building’s fourth floor. After numerous renovations and expansions, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) decided to move them to a larger space that would allow the public to visit and learn more about these often-misunderstood creatures.
“When people are able to actually hold one or look at them and touch them, I think it helps them get over their fear,” said Kelly Carruthers, the undergraduate coordinator for CAES’ Department of Entomology and director of the Insect Zoo.
The zoo houses over 50 species of insects and arachnids, depending on the season. Since reopening in April, it has received loads of visitors, hosting up to nine tours per week. Carruthers tailors each tour to the person or group’s comfort levels and interests.
“Some visitors book hourlong tours so they can hold animals and learn about them,” Carruthers said. “Others prefer to look without interacting, while I stand by in case they have questions.”
Scroll through the photos to see some of the zoo’s star residents. For a more hands-on experience, click this link to book a tour.