Among many highlights of Entomology club last year, students from the Lower School were taught about and able to see a live tarantula and a live ‘dead leaf mantis’ (Deroplatys desiccate)! From the spring term in Entomology club, we looked at two different species of praying mantis, studied a live panther chameleon, and dissected a praying mantis egg sac. The tarantula is now the new pet of the Biology department (photo, below) and is named Chad the tarantula (the idea of the name coming from three Year 7 students – Alex and Andy in Hayes and Zihan in Brecon). This particular species of tarantula comes from the third largest tarantula species in the world: the salmon pink bird-eating spider.

I am privileged to have been appointed Environment prefect for next year and I will use this position to further increase the knowledge and importance of insects to the environment as well as many other activities in the wildlife club.

Some of the plan activities for next year also include the invitation of speakers from Royal Society of Entomology and prestigious environmentalists to deliver assemblies to wider year groups, a charity sponsored litter picking event on Roundshaw Downs and much more.