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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The Jungle Nymph and Spiny Devil have a home here in New Orleans, as does the Australian Walking Stick. “Some Walking Sticks can produce bad odors like a stink bug, and a lot of them have legs that break off from their body very easily so the predator might have a leg, but the five-legged insect can still walk away, and five legs still work if you’re a bug,” says Animal and Visitor Programs Manager, Zack Lemann with the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. The species we just mentioned are just three out of 70 live animal exhibits you’ll find at the Insectarium.
On the corner of Lover’s Lane and La Rue Des Insects, you’ll find the bugs of New Orleans — Cockroaches and flys. Next to that you’ll learn what it’s like from a bug’s perspective (no longer on top of the food chain.) “There are millions of species of insects out there. We’ve got amazing shapes and fascinating colors, and we show that off here,” says Lemann. There’s also an extra special treat for all you bug buffs out there during museum month. Velvet Ants and Tarantula Hawks are causing quite the buzz. The 23,000 square foot building boasts roughly 800 winged wonders as well. It’s a whimsical experience watching butterfly’s flutter from branch to branch. It’s just one experience of many the entire family is sure to enjoy.