Insect House

[Adminopteryx]

I don't know much about the types of giant bugs back in the Mesozoic era, but I do recall seeing what appears to be a giant Millipede and huge dragonflies. I think it would be an idea to create an insect house for some of these disturbing critters, I'm sure the kids would love this one!

Please discuss the types of bugs you think could be used in this display, including the wildlife of today that resemble long extinct creatures and so could be used as a living subsitute.

Some of what could be included are:

Meganeura
Giant Millipede (name?)

[jeffosaur]

There were also giant dragonflies, spiders, snakes and amphibious creatures you could add to this attraction. The dragonflies could be attached to wires to make them fly. But spiders and amphibians could just be still models. The amphibian ones could have blinking eyes maybe and opening/closing mouths, but snakes could be live no problem!

[S. stenops]

That would be a good idea. I think, though that sakes should not be included. Snakes only evolved in the Cretaceous period from lizards. Most of the giant arthropods were around in the carboniferous.
By the way, the giant millipede is caled Arthropleura.

[jpdude11]

The japanese/chinese giant salamander can grow up to 6ft long and im sure the kids will love it

[Adminopteryx]

Jeeezzz!!! This thing is freaky! So how far back to these date and have they changed much?

[jpdude11]

I believe that they were around in the carbaniferous period im posative that it was and i dont think that they have changed much (not sure)

[collisionkid]

Animatronic giant dragonflies (meganeura) and modern cockroaches are probably the best way to go. I wouldn't recommend live dragonflies because you'll only see them once a year :L

[mineerikv]

Scorpions did exist in the Mesozoic era, so you might have some of that.

[sarcosuchus64]

The Chinese salamander is critically endangered, but considered a living fossil so could probably fit in with the Reserve's theme. They date back around 170 million years, so definitely come from the right timeframe. The Japanese Salamander, on the other hand, is not endangered, and is almost as large. They are also considered living fossils, and live for around 40 years in captivity, with the oldest being 52. In the wild, they live for up to 80 years.

[mistercool60]

Koolasuchus cretaceous amphibian mezafeelay hope I spelled it right a carboniferous spider the size of a human head, if you want an insect you should build it as a bio dome tropical weather adapted so you could have amphibian enclosures and invertebrate enclosures even have live butterflies go around

[velocijacktor]

Giganteum was is thought to be the largest land snail ever. This could make a cool exhibit.


this is only the shell, and it is nearly 2 ft long

[paleozoicperson]

Giant insects are typically from the Carboniferous period, the giant millipede mentioned is called Arthropluera, but you could also feature the eagle sized dragonly Meganuera or the dinner plate sized spider Mesothelae. However, wouldn't it be cool to incorporate eurypterids (sea scorpions)? I mean there are plenty of species ranging from smaller or to Jakelopterus the largest arthropod we have on record

[velocijacktor]

Aug 25, 2015 23:53:37 GMT paleozoicperson said:

Giant insects are typically from the Carboniferous period, the giant millipede mentioned is called Arthropluera, but you could also feature the eagle sized dragonly Meganuera or the dinner plate sized spider Mesothelae. However, wouldn't it be cool to incorporate eurypterids (sea scorpions)? I mean there are plenty of species ranging from smaller or to Jakelopterus the largest arthropod we have on record

I like the sea scorpion idea, but that creature should probably be in the aqua house.

[spinomorph]

Pulomonoscorpius Giant Scorpion