BIG 12 AFRICAN INSECTS

Transvaal Museum 
Paul Kruger Street

SOUTH AFRICA
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FUTURE PROJECTS include the proposed development of a BIG 12 insect poster (to bring some of these insects into school classrooms where internet is not yet available) and the possible development of the big 5's parasites, the big six beetles, the big six Orthoptera, the big six flies, the big six medically important insects, the big six agricultural pests and the small 12 insects. 
BIG12 Review - You can assist us by looking at the selection and commenting on the
following:
Do you think any of the insects in this selection should be replaced by
another insect? Please send your motivation for any change to Rob Toms  

 

Many Entomologists have spent time discussing which are the most spectacular insects. We soon realized thatto choose 5 or 6 would be too restrictive, and that more than 12 would be too many. This is a selection of 12 African insects chosen by members of the Biosystematic Interest Group  (BIG) of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa. The Purpose of this project is to draw attention to a selection of interesting African insects.  The criteria used to make this selection included a maximum of one insect per Order, to ensure maximal diversity.

           

 1. GIANT DRAGONFLY
      Order Odonata

7. GIANT WATER BUG
      Order Heteroptera

2. TABLE MOUNTAIN FLIGHTLESS
      COCKROACH
      Order Blattodea

8. GIANT ANTLION
      Order Neuroptera

3. TERMITE
      Order Isoptera

9. GIANT TACHINID FLY
      Order Diptera

4. BLADDER GRASSHOPPER
      Order Orthoptera

10. GIANT DUNG BEETLE
      Order Coleoptera

 5. GIANT STICK INSECT
      Order Phasmatodea

11. MOPANE WORM
      Order Lepidoptera

6. GIANT PREYING MANTIS
      Order Mantodea

12. GIANT CARPENTER BEE
      Order Hymenoptera

The BIG 12 Insect Project has been supported by the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, the Transvaal Museum and the Durban Museum. The Big Fly was chosen by the Fly experts at the Natal Museum, and the Big Bee was chosen by some of the Hymenoptera experts in South Africa, including those at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.

  • Transvaal Museum Invertebrate Page  

  • Discover South Africa - Local Links & resources http://za.l-o-c-a-l.com

  • A textile display on the BIG 12 African Insects was held at the Hancock Museum in England from 16 April to 5 June 2005. We are now negotiating to bring this display to the Transvaal Museum: http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/hancock/big12.php