Parenting is a fundamental factor in human parent-child relationships. Did you know that insects also have social structures that resemble human families? And that they display fascinating parenting behaviors? NTU Insect Museum recently hosted a family workshop two weeks before Mother’s Day, focusing on leaf-rolling weevils, which the Museum showcased as “among the most exemplary mothers of the insect world.”
Bringing Life to a Century-old Landmark
Established in 1936, NTU Insect Museum initially served as a venue for lectures in the Insect Specimen Room of the Entomology and Sericulture Laboratory, arranged by Director Shiraki Tokuichi during the period of Japanese rule. The museum evolved over time, becoming a hub for insect research—and gaining recognition as a historic site by Taipei City in 2017.
Now under NTU’s Department of Entomology, the second floor of the museum was transformed into a public exhibition hall, fostering engagement with visitors, while the archive room has remained dedicated to academic pursuits. This arrangement has enhanced the possibilities for various activities, such as science education and eco-photography, injecting vibrancy into this venerable monument to meet the needs and interests of contemporary society.
Since 2016, NTU Insect Museum has hosted 3-6 popular science events annually. Wei-Hua Li, a PhD student in the Department of Entomology, has been instrumental in organizing these activities for nearly seven years, sharing insect knowledge and DIY skills at workshops. The theme of today’s session was parental care, highlighting the diverse roles of insect parents. Li engaged the participants through slides, videos, and interactive Q&A sessions, sparking curiosity and laughter among the children and adults alike. “Insects such as giant water bugs, potter wasps, shield-backed bugs also have fathers and mothers…” “How about earwig dads?” a child asked. “Earwig dads run away after they are born,” Wei-Hua Li answered. “Then earwig moms are single moms!” As the child finished speaking, the audience burst into laughter.
Sparking a Love for Learning
During the breaks, a fifth-grade student, Kai-Jun, eagerly sought answers from Li, reflecting his deep interest and advanced understanding of insects. His mother, happy about his inquisitiveness, expressed gratitude to Li for the Insect Museum's educational platform that enabled Kai-Jun to quench his thirst for knowledge and build his confidence in a nurturing environment. In the subsequent DIY session, Kai-Jun fashioned a unique leaf-rolling weevil pendant, reminiscent of the famous Jadeite Cabbage at the National Palace Museum.
In concluding the session, Wei-Hua Li humbly stated that the goal of the workshop was to inspire children to explore insects and their habitats, fostering their problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way. These activities were designed to not only entertain but also enlighten the parents about the museum's educational mission, ensuring a rewarding experience for all attendees.
NTU Insect Museum holding a popular science activity two weeks before Mother’s Day, to teach children of all ages about leaf-rolling weevils, the best mothers in the insect world.
Wei-Hua Li, Department of Entomology, teaching children to make “leaf-rolling weevil” pendants from non-woven fabrics. He is the hands-on teacher at the popular science activities.
The exhibition room in NTU Insect Museum is aimed to satisfy urban children’s curiosity about nature through insect specimens and models. It is open to visitors every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
