#insect display

Naturkundemuseum Potsdam (Natural History Museum of Potsdam) - Insect Display and Fossil Exhibits

Today's insect showcase is a rather special one. These picture come together of a dear, top-tier friend of mine during her travels to Germany, and I am very grateful to receive them, and her stories from her travels. Of course, as these pictures aren't mine and the imagery photographed here belongs to an educational institution, they are marked with the Mantis Icon. Specifically, these fossils and insect displays were taken at the Natural History Museum of Potsdam, or as it is known in German parlance, Naturkundemuseum Potsdam. Based on what I was told, the image highlights here are just a small fraction of the insect specimens on display, which is to say nothing of the rest of the museum. There is also a multitude of preserved specimens in jars, alongside expertly done animal taxidermy (pinning insects meanwhile is much more simple) and stunning dinosaur fossils. The images I've seen make these insects seem rather miniscule, but in fact, it just goes to show how long insects have been around for and how well adapted they were to their environments, even hundreds of millions of years ago. While their size may have gotten smaller over time as a result of atmospheric and environmental changes (including oxygen levels), the insects' overall forms remain unchanged relative to their modern day equivalents.

On display here we find a collection of insect fossils similar to that of Toronto's ROM insect fossils (a few of which can be seen in these posts), only presented with more distinction. Specifically, all specimens on display here are clearly labelled down the specie of the (now extinct) fossilized insect. In terms of highlights, we appear to have fossilized Dragonflies (with pristine wing venation in the stone) in the form of Mesuropetala koehleri, Stenophelbia amphitrite, and Uroghompus eximius; fossilized Pond Skaters/Water Striders in the form of Cresmoda obscura; a fossilized Hymenopteran (seen in Picture 2) and a fossilized Roach in the form of Lithoblatta lithophila. Apparently the lattermost fossil is mistaken by some to be a Beetle fossil. However, the true identity of the said comes apparent when taking notice of the shape of the wings and the extended antennae whose impressions are visible within the fossil. For an actual view at Beetles, Picture 4 is all you need. Upon seeing it, my eyes go right to the Goliath Beetle (Goliathus sp., among the largest Scarab Beetles) and then wander leftward to the rows of metallic Beetles and their smaller Bug (distant) relatives. The display is magnificent, and just as comprehensive as the ROM's displays, albeit with a touch more style as a result of mingling insect orders together, rather than keep them separated. And to think, this is just a brief glimpse into the offerings of this museum.

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The Leafcutter Ants of Biosphäre Potsdam - Subfamily Myrmicinae

Now this is what I call a very thoughtful and "interactive" Ant exhibit!

Firstly, some quick logistics! Today's insect showcase forms a pair with an earlier post: the insect displays found at Naturkundemuseum Potsdam which were sent to me by a very dear friend during her travel to Germany. Conversely, the images photographed here were taken at another location within Potsdam: the Biosphere, or the Biosphäre Potsdam as it is known in Germany. This a large indoor botanical garden which plays host to all manner of tropical plants and a fine selection of animals to match. From what I've seen, the biosphere goes the distance in order to maintain the factors of a lush jungle or rainforest, and the institution is also quite proud of its orchids. While visiting, it would have been nice to see a few Leaf Insects (if they could be spotted) and the Biosphere's Butterfly Garden too. It certainly would have been relevant to the blog, but sadly there's only so much time in the day. From the footage I've seen with respect to the garden, there are all matter of shapes, sizes, patterns, and scales visible among myriad fluttering wings, each one corresponding to many different species to enjoy. The Blue Morpho is a popular specimen of note as seen in some their images, but there are far many more discover, including several with more intricate wings, and even some of the larger species of tropical Moths! All of the above is well and good, but it doesn't address today's insects in focus: a troop of Leafcutter Ants on the move.

In a similar vein to their larger relatives in Brazil, these Ants carve up leaves with their sharp mandibles in order to help a specific fungus proliferate and harness that as a vital food source. In particular, the cultivated fungus is fed to the colony's growing larvae and other members of the colony which remain inside the nest for the long term. While typically, the farming behavior can be seen as scattered as the Ants sprint along the tropical ground, the sophistication among the Ants is quite visible as they cut and transport leaves through the Biosphere's tube system. If you look carefully, not only will you see Ants of different colony castes, you will also see that individuals carrying leaves move in one direction, while those lacking leaves move the other way and occasionally inspect Ants who carry. In captivity, this colony is supplied with a source of leaves which are proven to be beneficial for fungus farming. In the wild, however, it's a different and far more intriguing stories. The established relationship between a Leafcutter Ant colony and the (specific) fungus they cultivate is so integral, that as the worker Ants supply the fungus with collected leaves, they carefully monitor the capability of leaves and fungus, even to the point of noting which leaves restrict growth (e.g., a toxic leaf or one which is fungal-resistant) and then actively avoid visiting those plants. Naturally, a more efficient food system, and food-collection system means an Ant colony can thrive more quickly than its rivals. No worries of that here, however; only the worry over maintaining the tube system to prevent gaps from opening.