It’s National Insect Week and insect expert Nathan sent in these fascinating facts from the rainforest! Yes, there is indeed a rainforest in Swansea. It’s called Plantasia and is a great day out for the family. Why not visit with the family and take a walk around the glass pyramid – which is full of life from all over the world.
Want to know which insects you can see in Plantasia? Nathan to the rescue…
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Latin name: Gromphadorhina portentosa
Native to the island of Madagascar off the African coast.
- Live around 5 years in captivity
- Are able to produce the “hissing” sound for which they are named by expelling air from small openings (spiracles) on the sides of their abdomen.
- These cockroaches will hiss at each other due to disturbance or issues of dominance and males will use a hiss to attract females!
African Giant Millipede
Latin name: Archispirostreptus gigas
- This large species of millipede is native to East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique etc.)
- Can live up to around 7 years in captivity.
- Millipedes are actually not technically insects – instead they are Myriapods. Myriapod species can have up to 700+ legs while insects always have six legs.
- African Giant millipedes have approximately 260 legs!!
Emperor Scorpion
Latin name: Pandinus imperator
- A large species of scorpion native to the rainforest and savannas of West Africa (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso etc.)
- Can live to over 5 years in captivity.
- Scorpions are not insects, but like spiders are arachnids.
- As the Emperor scorpion’s venom is mild, this species has evolved large, formidable pincers which it uses to catch and crush its prey!
- Like all scorpions, Emperors will glow fluorescent blue under a black light due to chemicals in its exoskeleton!
Mexican Redknee Tarantula
Latin name: Brachypelma smithi
- A large tarantula species native to Mexico.
- Often kept in captivity, though females are more sought-after than males – this is because tend to live only 5 years while females can live over 25 years!
- These spiders do not have potent venom and will protect themselves by kicking hairs from their abdomen towards their attackers. These hairs cause great irritation to the victim.
- Same as the Emperor Scorpion, Tarantulas are not insects but arachnids.
Giant African Land Snail
Latin name: Achatina fulica
- This large snail species is native to East Africa but is a significant invasive species in China, Taiwan, areas in the Pacific and even the United States!
- Due to this snail’s status as a persistent pest, organised efforts are underway to eradicate them from certain areas.
- These snails are hermaphrodites – they have both male female reproductive organs!!
- Snails are also not insects – they are actually gastropods which are molluscs.
- Can live for up to 10 years in captivity but the average life expectancy is 5-6 years.
Plantasia opening times
Plantasia is open daily, 10am – 5pm (except Christmas and New Year). If you’re planning on visiting during winter months, please note that Plantasia is closed on Mondays during December & January. Admission fees apply.
- Adults £3.95
- Children and concessions £2.95
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) £13.25
During school holidays we have some amazing animal handling sessions, our next sessions are on the 5, 6, 7 August Animal Antics: Out of Africa which includes a host of African animals and some traditional dress, then on the 19, 20, 21 August is Creepy Crawlies and Tropical Taste buds. A chance for you to tantalise your taste buds with some unusual tropical fruits and get hands on with some creepy crawlies if you dare! Due to popularity, pre-booking is essential.
So now you know about the wonderful tropics of Swansea and our creepy crawlies, come and pay us a visit.
Booking and information
For information and booking, you can contact Plantasia using these details below:
Telephone 01792 474555
Online: www.plantasia.org
