BUGS and beasties were the draw at Haslemere Museum when more than 140 people went along for a “Minibeast Mayhem” day during half-term. Not only could visitors see and learn about the minibeasts from entomologist Sally-Ann Spence, they also had the opportunity to hold and touch them and also do some insect inspired art.

Museum education officer Kay Topping told The Herald: “Sally-Ann Spence is a working research entomologist and so not only cares for the creatures but has amazing knowledge and can explain the science behind the behaviour and physiology of the different animals.

“As one of our visitors said: ‘It’s great to have the expertise and she’s a real entomologist, her knowledge is amazing.’

“It was wonderful to see both children and adults so enthralled by both the creatures but also their stories.”

Afterwards Sally-Ann went to see the scarabaeidae – beetle family including scarabs – in the museum’s collections to record as part of a national project.