Jeepers creepers!

NEW GLASGOW, N.S. – Scorpions, tarantulas, roaches, frogs and a 14-year-old corn snake named Elton John were back at Highland Square mall this week as part of the Newfoundland Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion.

Youngsters and adults alike attended for the chance to get closer to some of Earth’s most fascinating insects and arachnids.

“They love exploring and we spend all our time journeying through the woods,” said Steven MacGillivary, who attended with his wife Evelyn and their two kids. “This way they get to see things from all around the world.”

“I like all of them,” said five-year old Leyara Dillman. Her brother Jasper favoured the three scorpions that are in the collection. Those, and the frog.

“His chin was going up and down,” said Jasper, pointing to the bullfrog in its terrarium.

Not everything on display is alive. There’s an impressive collection of exotic insects that come from all over the world.

The insectarium’s owner, Lloyd Hollett, trades insects from his native Newfoundland with collectors from places as far away as Egypt and Singapore.

“This is maybe 10 per cent of my full collection,” said Hollett, whose been in the bug business for the last 20 years.

“If you’re in Singapore and you’re getting something from Newfoundland then you’re getting something very exotic.”

BRENDAN AHERN/THE NEWS The Newfoundland Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion brought its collection of creepy crawlers to Highland Square Mall this week during March break. Kids enjoyed the opportunity to see a variety of insects and animals, including spiders, snakes, scorpions and frogs. Jasper and Leyara Dillman checked out scorpions and tarantulas with their parents Evelyn Dillman and Steven MacGillivray on Tuesday.

BRENDAN AHERN/THE NEWS Three-year-old Jasper Dillman checks out one of the live scorpions in Highland Square Mall – just one of the creepy crawlers on display all week.