Insects: The Glory of Adaptation in its Infinite Diversity

Dennis Wahlman’s Insects
March 6 - August 18

Insects represent some of the planet's most bizarre – yet familiar – and enchanting life forms. Some can be as intricately delicate as a butterfly, while others can be as tough and gnarly as some beetles. Insects have conquered nearly every corner of the planet, forming a real-life alien empire. Many people have never seen or heard of some of these organisms.

It is this alien empire that has drawn Dennis Wahlman's interest. He has been collecting insects since childhood, and his father has been cultivating the desire to learn more about the natural world. Dennis curated this exhibit with the goal of sharing some of the insects that fascinate him the most. Specimens on exhibit represent different genres and localities from all over the world. His favorite is the Coleoptera (beetles), and he chose to display the two worlds’ largest. Others bear a historical significance, making him dream of seeing them in person. Unfortunately, there is little chance of that since some are rare or extinct.

The specimens on display not only reveal a great deal about the biodiversity of planet Earth but also about the collector. The selection of specimens, their arrangement, and the scientific precision of the models allow a glimpse into his personality and interests and provide a window into the world of an insect enthusiast and collector. Insects abound in the most unworldly of shapes, some in the farthest stretches of the earth and some in your backyard.

Visit the Mill Building at Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp to observe these “aliens” in person!