Bugs on Parade During Insectropolis at Avon Pavilion

Creepy, crawly things were the stars of a free show sponsored by Avon Public Library on Wednesday. 

"Insectropolis" was part of a series for children presented at the Avon Pavilion by a Toms River bug museum of the same name.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout of 30 children and moms.

“We love doing this," said Sheila M. Watson, director of the Avon Public Library. "This is my third time since we’ve had this – it’s a big hit, the kids love it.  We do this to educate and entertain.”

Vito Terranova conducted the one-hour show.

“I love doing this for the kids – they’re always fascinated by it,” Terranova said. “When you’re young, you don’t fear bugs; if I teach kids about bugs, they’ll be less afraid of them when they grow up.”

And he seemed to be right -- children ranging from toddlers to young teens were fascinated by the six live bugs, though some did shy away from a few of the insects. 

Most of the youngsters had no problem getting acquainted with Spike, a hissing cockroach that doesn’t bite, and hisses like a snake – though not during Insectropolis.

Drawing a bit of hesitation was "Rosie," a Chilean rosehair tarantula. 

Terranova informed the children she doesn’t bite, but spooks easily, so silence fell on the pavilion. 

The 5-year-old tarantula sat calmly in his hand as he circled the room for the children to see and touch, which Terranova said isn’t covered in fur, but thousands of hairs.

Terranova explained that Rosie is in the harmless, non-lethal spider family, and spiders are generally safe -- except for the venomous spiders such as the black widow, which he also carried around the room (safely ensconced in a small plastic cube) for children to see.

The enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter gave the children an education on the insects he brought along, which also featured "Julius," a 2-year-old emperor scorpion from Africa. 

"Julius" made the rounds in Terranova’s hand, and most children were receptive to meeting him. 

Although his sting hurts about as much as a mosquito bite, Terranova assured the audience he couldn’t hurt them. 

Children were intrigued when Terranova shone a flashlight on Julius and his body turned turquoise blue to create a “sunscreen” for the bug.

The audience was also fascinated by an 88-leg millipede, "Pepper," who also can’t bite, yet Terranova explained if she were digested, it would be poisonous. 

The millipede wasn’t timid during the presentation and lay flat in Terranova’s hand – as opposed to curling into a ball which is how she protects herself.  Children and parents alike had no problem gently stroking the large insect.

The more dangerous insects, such as another scorpion and tarantula, were on tour in the show, but were shown to the audience in plastic, ventilated carriers Terranova carried around the pavilion. 

He also carried about a few of the large cases which housed preserved species of several colorful butterflies, moths, and beetles – of which he informed the children and moms are the largest group of insects.

The children also got an “up close and personal” look at all the bugs in the program, as well as several other cases of preserved insects, during the last 15 minutes of the show.

“Vito (Terranova) did a great job.  It’s nice to see somebody who recognizes his audience," Watson said.