Baby Tigers on display

In Bugs Alive the Tiger Huntsman Spider's egg sac has just erupted with hundreds of hatchling spiders, each only a few millimeters in size.  They will remain close by to the egg sac for a few days and the mother will continue to guard them, however soon they will start to disperse.  At this stage her parental role as mother is over and she will wander off herself, no doubt to look for a feed.  These youngsters are the third generation raised from the single brightly coloured adult female collected near Cairns in 2006.  Live Exhibits staff will catch up and raise several of the young and share the others with other zoos and museums keen to raise this (scientifically) undescribed species of spider.

Baby Tiger Huntsman Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria

Grandma: The original Adult female Tiger Huntsman collected in 2006 Photo: Alan Henderson Source: Minibeast Wildlife 

Phasmids display makeover

The hundreds of stick and leaf insects on display in Bugs Alive have had their display repainted and a new floor installed.   Keeper staff provided up close encounters with phasmids of different varieties during the renovations.

Spiny leaf Insect Photo: Alan Henderson Source: Minibeast Wildlife

Baby Copperheads eat their first meal

The shoestring sized baby Alpine Copperhead Snakes have shed their skins and fed for the first time.  Young snakes that feed well tend to grow quickly and shed their skins frequently.  All signs are positive for these youngsters.  An adult snake is currently on display in Forest Gallery.

oung Alpine Copperhead Snake lining up for a feed. Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria

Discover a Jacky Lizard

This small agile lizard is common in forests along the east coast and mountains of Australia where they are commonly seen on fallen timber and on trees.  The Museum's Discovery Centre is home to one currently and he may be seen basking or clambering about on his branches.  By Easter the female Veiled Chameleon 'Leila' will be back on display. 

Jacky lizard Amphibolurus muricatus Photo: Alan Henderson Source: Museum Victoria