Houston Zoo

Zoo Boo Animal Spotlight: Houston Zoo's Bugs & Insects

Think bugs are spooky? Take a closer look. 🔍 The Bug House at Houston Zoo is home to so much more than insects. Crustaceans, arachnids, centipedes and millipedes all share the space, and this Zoo Boo season we’re introducing you to a few of our not-so-spooky stars. Meet the Peruvian firestick, a walking stick insect with bold warning colors that tell predators to stay away. Spot the oblong-winged katydid, a leafy green insect that blends right into the plants around it. And take a second look at the orchid mantis, which looks so much like a flower that its prey never sees it coming. Even roaches deserve a little love. They’re quiet, peaceful and play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy. Invertebrates may be small, but their impact is huge. They pollinate crops, break down organic material, improve soil health and form the foundation of the food web. Watch our Animal Spotlight video featuring Houston Zoo’s Bug House residents and discover why these tiny stars are not so spooky at all. Visit the Bug House on your next trip to the Houston Zoo and meet these tiny residents in person.