Rick's Bug Room

31/05/2026

A bit of a late post as it suddenly got very busy at today's Bournemouth Bug Show and stayed that way most of the day 😅

It was lovely talking to so many first time mantis and phasmid keepers at this show, hopefully we helped to spark an interest that will last a lifetime 🐛🪲🪳🦗

Big thanks to Francesca Sorrell who had her own table as The Creature Coven but still managed to help me out.

Brilliant day!! Will definitely be back in 2027

30/05/2026

Are we still loving katydids? 🌿

I hope so because another twenty hatched yesterday alone 😝

We'll have loads of 2nd to 4th instar on the Bournemouth table tomorrow 🎉

Siliquofera grandis (Hooded katydid)

29/05/2026

Here in the bug room I'm packing mantids for Sundays show and pairing orchids.

We're on target today but the last four photos are from the previous attempt when the lad wasn't interested and we ended up on a photoshoot instead 😝

See some of you on Sunday 🦗🪳🦋🌿

26/05/2026

Hierodula venosa (Golden armed mantis) incoming...

25/05/2026

Never have I ever had so many mantis nymphs on my bathroom ceiling 😅

This heat has charged their batteries to full capacity allowing bath to ceiling dashes in under ten seconds! Anyway, it's done now with runners gathered up and over three hundred nymphs split into four communal 5.8 litre braplasts which are still a bit overcrowded but will do for now.
Fruitflies on standby...

Hierodula sp Papua (Giant Papuan/Giant blue)

24/05/2026

One week until our next event 🥳

Here's everything you need to know about the Bournemouth Bug Show

⏳ JUST 1 WEEK TO GO! | Essential Show Info & FAQs ⏳

We are getting so excited for next weekend! To help make your morning completely stress-free, here is everything you need to know before you arrive:

⏱️ TIMES & CLOSING
10:40 AM: VIP / Early Access Entry 🔑
11:00 AM: Standard Ticket Entry 🎟️
4:00 PM: Show Closes 🛑

🚗 PARKING INFO
Littledown Centre Car Park: Free for the first 3 hours! (Chargeable after that—please check local signage).

Free All-Day Parking Deal: Spend £5 or more in the Littledown café or bar, and your parking is free all day! ☕🍰

Alternative Parking / Public Transport: There are other local car parks and on-street parking nearby. Please park responsibly and respect the neighbours! Don't forget Bournemouth has great public transport links, should you prefer to leave the car at home!

🗺️ WHERE TO FIND US (ENTRANCE)
Don't go to the main centre entrance! Head down the left-hand side of the building, past the Blue Badge parking bays.

Follow the signs: There will be signage at the main stairs pointing you left toward our dedicated event entrance.

Queuing: Follow the signs on-site for your specific queue. VIP ticket holders, anyone with accessibility needs, or those requiring extra assistance should follow the VIP signs straight down to the main gate.

🎟️ TICKETS & ENTRY
Pre-booked Tickets: Advance online sales will close this week so we can prep our scanners. Please have your QR codes open on your phone (or printed out) ready at the gate to keep the queue flying!

Buying on the day? Yes, you can! Tickets will be available on the gate. To keep things speedy, we accept Card (Contactless) or Cash (ideally exact change please).

Wristbands: You’ll get a wristband on entry. Keep it on! You can come and go as much as you like throughout the day, just flash your wristband to the gate staff when you head back in.

Don't forget to check the number on your wristband against the signs by the main gate! Match the numbers, and you will be going home with a prize!

🏫🕷️ THE LAYOUT
The Main Sports Hall: This is where the magic happens—you'll find all of our incredible trade stands and vendors here!

Upstairs: You'll find the toilets, the Café/Bar, and a great viewing area looking down over the hall.

Accessibility: There is full lift access to the upper floor for anyone who needs it.

We can't wait to see you all next weekend for an amazing day! Got a question not covered here? Drop it below! 👇

24/05/2026

We won't be running out of Hierodula sp Papua any time soon 😱

I have to admit I'm slightly dreading the moment I open this tub...

22/05/2026

I've held back three pairs of these cool little shields and it looks like all have now reached subadult.

I'll give them more love this time around and be sure to get some adult photos, hopefully a full threat display as they're teasing me with those inner raptorial colours
💛🧡💙💚

Orthodera burmeisteri (Square shield mantis)

17/05/2026

It's BTS day!!!

I'm at the Warwickshire event centre with Francesca Sorrell for the 39th annual BTS exhibition.

Have a great day anyone who's coming and see you soon 🪳🦗🕷️🦋🐞🐝🐛

15/05/2026

They're here!! 😎🎉

I've hatched these before but this is the first time from my own breeding. Forty one nymphs after a fifty one day incubation.

Parablepharis kuhlii Asiatica (giant Vietnamese ghost)