Drawing Exotic Insects from the Insect Room in the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology

By Sheila Ceccarelli

After three sessions of teenagers drawing house flies and dead moths a student asked if we could 'draw some more exciting insects'!

I contacted the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, to ask if it would be possible to borrow specimens from the Insect Room, for my class to draw.

The university were quick to respond, and by the next session, I had collected the specimens from the museum, and teenagers were in the privileged position of drawing large, dead, exotic insects.

Many thanks to Russel Stebbings, Insect Room Assistant, Senior Museum Technician (Conservation/Displays) in the insect room, for organising the loan.

Drawing exotic insects: Rhinoserous Beetle on loan from The University Museum of Zoology, Insect Room, Cambridge
Rhinoserous Beetle on loan from The University Museum of Zoology, Insect Room, Cambridge

 

The insects are part of the  University Museum of Zoology 'handling collection' as they are apparently of no 'scientific significance' as the date, time, place or weather on the day they were found (some, many years ago) had not been accurately logged.

Teenagers valued being able to draw them and examine them so closely.

Students examine an insect from the University Museum of Zoology Handling Collection
Students examine an insect from the University Museum of Zoology Handling Collection

 

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