FROM AVERSION TO ADMIRATION

• BY VALÉRIE LEVÉE

Warning: observing an insect could pique your curiosity to the point of developing a case of entomophilia. Don't worry, it's not a disease! Just a healthy passion for insects that has perks for both you and nature.

Our urban life has kept us away from nature and we only see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to insects and arthropods. Colourful butterflies dazzle us with their flight, but we’re not as fond of mosquitoes, flies, earwigs and millipedes. "The insects that seem to be the most difficult to live with are the ones we talk about most. But they represent only a tiny fraction of all arthropods," says Sonya Charest, Division Manager of Public and Educational Programs at the Insectarium.

Based on the few species that make their way into our human environment, we sometimes develop an uneasy relationship with arthropods, which can even evolve into fear or disgust. Mimicking our parents’ behaviour, or simply not knowing insects at all, can explain these types of reactions. "We are programmed to be cautious and to keep our distance from what is unknown to us," she observes.

Fortunately, this attitude can be reversed and turned into sheer wonder. "That's our goal at the Insectarium: for people to develop a sense of entomophilia. We want them to discover the incredible diversity of insects and arthropods, to demystify their roles, and to learn to feel at ease in their presence—and why not also develop a fondness for these surprising and vital little creatures," says Sonya Charest.

The Insectarium's experts act as ambassadors: their passion is instrumental in helping people who feel apprehensive about arthropods to appreciate their presence. "We listen to people to nudge them a little further along in their relationship with insects. For artistic minds, it might be through colour. Others will respond to anecdotes or be interested in the topic of biomimicry," says Sonya Charest. "All roads lead to insects and there are insects for every taste."

Go look for insects in your surroundings! While the main objective of Mission Monarch is to document the breeding habitat of the monarch butterfly, this participatory science program also provides an opportunity for chance encounters with all kinds of arthropods that can give citizens a totally new perspective. By examining the milkweed, the butterfly's host plant, we discover beetles, bugs, and caterpillars with the most vivid colours. Quite a spectacle!

Getting up close and personal with insects increases our awareness of their complex behaviours and their amazing shapes and colours. "By taking the time to observe them, to experience pleasant moments in their company, to notice the countless services that insects provide, we learn to live in harmony with them. The world of insects is vast and infinitely beautiful! There is always something new to learn and they are an endless source of wonder. In the context of the new Insectarium, its architecture and museology inspired by biophilia, we give this term a new meaning to express the idea of entomophilia in the sense of love, respect and appreciation of insects.