Hissing cockroaches, scorpions and tarantulas are just a few of the critters in Ginny Morgal’s traveling interactive insect zoo at Iowa State. 

Morgal, entomology program assistant and insect zoo coordinator, previously worked as a beekeeper for two years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before coming to Iowa State in May 2012.  

“I was afraid of bugs as a kid until I found out my mom hated them,” Morgal said. “I would start carrying [bugs] inside to scare my mom.” 

The typical place to find Morgal and her insects will be at the insect zoo’s programs, at nursing homes and elementary schools.

Programs differ from displays. A program is when Morgal interacts with the people learning about the insects; a display is used to show off the insects. 

“We visit the same schools every year. Second grade is the most common for us,” Morgal said. “I am wanting to reach out more to middle school kids in the future as well.”

A standard program typically consists of Morgal explaining various biological and ecological concepts, then allowing the viewers and listeners to hold and touch the specimens.  

“Can they hurt you? No, they can’t,” Morgal said. “The same kids that are saying ‘Ew, gross’ are wanting to touch them later on.”  

Morgal enjoys helping children to overcome their fear of bugs. 

“When parents put their fears of bugs onto their children, they’ll say, ‘Oh no, don’t touch that!’” Morgal said. “But I want them to make their own decisions if they want to be interested in it or be afraid of it.” 

Drake Falcon, sophomore in insect science, helps Morgal take care of the insect zoo.

“She really enjoys what she does and you can tell she is not just doing it for the paycheck,” Falcon said. “She enjoys freaking people out and making people uncomfortable, but not in a bad way, she just wants people to have new experiences.” 

One of Falcon’s job requirements includes taking care of the specimens. He specifically cares for the hermit crabs, beetles, giant African millipedes and crayfish.

“I refill their water dish, mix up all their soil, make their food and feed them and I make sure there aren’t any dead ones,” Falcon said. “I really enjoy the time I spend with the insects and learning more about them.”

As far as being the coordinator for the insect zoo, Morgal has set out a precise way of doing things. 

“I made kind of a plan of what I wanted the kids to get out of the insect zoo, and how to sell it, because we are a business, I have to build us up so they want us,” Morgal said. 

Morgal advises all skeptics to “Just give it a chance.”