Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventure here on the Zoo’s website! Today we met Ester Chang, a senior insect keeper at the San Diego Zoo. She has been working with the Zoo for ten years, taking care of insects and other critters. She taught us about leaf-cutter ants, and the ecological effects of invasive species such as Argentine ants. Ms. Chang also showed us around behind the scenes of the Insect House, full of all sorts of other creatures. [caption id="attachment_123535" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Ms. Chang gave us a talk about Leaf-cutter ants. These ants are the top consumers of leaves in their native tropical rainforests, but they don’t actually consume the leaves themselves. Instead, they feed them to the fungi, which they grow underground for consumption.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123537" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A large and fuzzy tarantula hides under a rock. Female tarantulas can live up to 25 years if properly taken care of, while males last about 5-7 years. The largest tarantula has a leg span of 11 inches. That’s about the size of a large dinner plate![/caption] [caption id="attachment_123538" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Behind the scenes of the Insect House has a futuristic look and is full of more insect exhibits. Here, Ms. Chang feeds and takes care of insects that are not on display. Given that certain insect species can be potential pests, the insect house at the San Diego Zoo is under heavy regulations and surveillance.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123539" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] This diving beetle is flat and has a lot of surface area for its weight, allowing it to sit on the surface of the water without breaking the surface tension. However, if it needs to escape a predator, it can dive and swim. They also dive to catch fish underwater for food.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123541" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Many insects use camouflage to hide in plain view of predators. The shape and color of this bug give it the appearance of a bean pod. It also sways its body slightly to mimic the motion of a plant blowing in the wind.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123542" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Part of Ms. Chang’s job is to feed and take care of the insects. These kebabs are going to be food for cicadas. Ms. Chang and her team often put produce on kebab sticks to make it easier to feed the bugs without disturbing them too much.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123543" align="aligncenter" width="768"] These grasshoppers are mating. In the insect family, males are generally smaller than females. Grasshoppers go through an incomplete metamorphosis, which includes only three phases - egg, nymph, and adult. Perhaps there will be some new grasshoppers for Ms. Chang to take care of.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123544" align="aligncenter" width="768"] In addition to fresh produce, bugs are also fed cheerios, PB2, and maple syrup. Each species has a specific diet and feeding schedule for Ms. Chang and her team to follow. Some species, like the leaf cutter ants, only need leaves, and farm underground fungi on their own.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123545" align="aligncenter" width="768"] When a tarantula grows, it sheds its exoskeleton in a process called molting. After the tarantula molts, it is somewhat soft and small, but it soon solidifies and grows bigger than before. This process is repeated multiple times throughout a tarantula’s lifespan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123546" align="aligncenter" width="768"] These bugs have a red color, making them stand out against the green background for any predator with keen color vision. However, this color warns predators that this bug is poisonous, and keeps them safe.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123547" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Ms. Chang holds up a cicada. This cicada looks much like a leaf, which acts as a type of camouflage. Cicadas can make and extremely loud and prolonged screeching noises. If you have ever heard the trees scream at night, it’s the cicadas.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_123548" align="aligncenter" width="768"] This giant prickly stick insect has mastered camouflage and mimicry. It looks so much like a dead leaf that it actually has leaf-like veins. It can also curl up its abdomen to imitate a dangerous scorpion if threatened.[/caption] Sage, Photo Team Week Three, Fall Session 2017