Attack of the Bloodsuckers

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Are you itching for fun this summer?

Explore the science of what’s biting you at Attack of the Bloodsuckers! This kid-friendly exhibition examines the what, why, when and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches and other parasites. Learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem - and how to keep them out of YOUR system!

Special attractions include:

Mosquito Cockpit: Imagine you’re a mosquito itching for a bite. Your mission is to track down your next meal. Using the carbon dioxide detector, seeing breath mist, looking through compound eyes at a moving target, getting a feel for heat with a heat detector and smelly feet will offer a look at what makes an appetizing bite to eat!

Tool Time: Be a mosquito! Use your probe to find a vein in an arm. Get a close-up look at the needle-noses, slicing jaws and suction-cup mouths other bloodsuckers use to get their blood meals.

Inflatable Tick: Meet this giant tick and try to get a hug! Have a seat in her lap and become her next meal - she’ll grown on you!

Live Mosquitoes and Leeches: Escape-proof tanks keep these bloodsuckers all locked up. Watch adult mosquitoes fly around just like they do on a summer night, and be sure to watch the mosquito larvae perform their water ballet. Live leeches can’t wait for a visit as they crawl like inchworms, swim like whales, or just “hang out” on the sides of the tank. But…which end hangs and which one bites? Only you can find out! Live leech feedings will also take place at designated times (listed below).

Entrance included with museum admission.

Click here to view our complete Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Photo Gallery!

Live Leech Feeding Times

Have you ever wanted to see a live leech feeding…that’s not attached to YOU? Watch these wonders of nature feed in a safe, contained habitat at the following times:

Tuesday, June 15 at 11:00AM
Tuesday, July 6 at 1:00PM
Tuesday, July 27 at 11:00AM
Tuesday, August 17 at 1:00PM