“..people exploit what they have merely concluded to be of value, but they defend what they love”

Wendell Berry (1934-), American philosopher, poet, farmer, activist.

 

Fascination or fear? Disgust or delight?  We all have opinions about insects.  Our reactions may be based on personal experience, instinct, influenced by news stories, films or mythical tales. 

 

A world without insects would, in the end, be a world without people. The vast majority of insects are not only harmless to humans, but vital for maintaining earth as we know it.They keep ecosystems working and are the food of the world. 

 

They are under threat. Recent news of a global decline in the number of species and stories about pesticides that harm pollinators raise awareness of some of the important but invisible work that insects do. 

 

This exhibition brings together hundreds of insects and the work of scientists and artists to explore their curiosity and care for these extraordinary creatures. We invite you to encounter the beauty in these beasts and to fall in love with insects.

 

No insects were killed during the preparation of this exhibition. All the displayed insects originated from old, often Victorian, collections of the Manchester Museum.