In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock go to "Bug Court" with guest Jessica Briley, the Conservation Education Manager for the Little Rock Zoo. They discuss the zoo's upcoming "Bugtopia" exhibit, which features giant animatronic insects and arachnids. Jessica provides fascinating facts about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, the Asian Forest Scorpion, the Goliath Bird Eater spider, and the Monarch Butterfly, highlighting their ecological importance and debunking common myths. The episode emphasizes shifting perspectives from fear to curiosity and appreciation for these small but essential creatures.

Takeaways

• The "Bugtopia" Exhibit: Running from March 21st through September 20th, Bugtopia aims to magnify the world of insects, allowing guests to observe their intricate anatomy and ecological roles.
• Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: These forest-floor decomposers use specialized pores called spiracles to create their signature hiss for defense and mating.
• Asian Forest Scorpion: As arachnids, scorpions are not insects. They possess sensory hairs called trichobothriaand can glow under ultraviolet light.
• Goliath Bird Eater: Despite its name, this spider primarily eats insects and small vertebrates. It is the largest spider by mass and grows by molting its exoskeleton.
• Monarch Butterfly: These iconic pollinators migrate up to 3,000 miles. They are "bio-indicators," meaning their population health reflects the state of the overall ecosystem.
• Conservation Tips: Jessica shares practical ways to support local insect populations, such as planting native pollinator gardens and being mindful of leaf litter, which serves as a winter habitat.