The world of insect It is exciting in the wooden forest booth of the Forest Service at this year’s 89th Thessaloniki International Exhibition (September 6-14). An interactive and original report brings the entomology In the heart of the city, turning the forest microcosm into a scene of adventure with beetles, butterflies and dragonflies starring in roles superhero And fighters, reminiscent of scenes from cartoon films.

Behind this unique presentation is the researcher Dimitris Avtzis, Director of Research in the Forest Entry of the Institute of Forestry Research (ELGO-DIMITRA). With love for nature and the child, he has managed to transform scientific knowledge in experiential experience, “dressing up” the insects with stories and turning them – as he says – into heroes.

Its purpose is to make the world of insects accessible, overcoming fears and prejudices. As he characteristically points out: “Instead of just fear of insects, we can get to know them, understand them and – why not? – to love them”.

Epic “battles”: insects inspired by the fantastic world

Dimitris Avtzis, along with students and associates of the Forest Entomology Laboratory, has created impressive scenes and compositions with protagonists influence armies. Often, he draws inspiration even from cinema: “We have made various compositions, even insect battles, inspired by the lord of the rings”he says. The exhibits come from insect collections found in traps in research programs, in order to be used as effective and safe educational tools for children.

When insects meet comics heroes

Mr Avtzis’ involvement is not limited to science. His love for mythology and comics triggered the idea of ​​creating an alternative, interactive world, where insect characteristics parallel with known properties super heroes.

As he reveals: “Stories, mythology and comics fascinated me as a child. And insects … are just exciting! They hide much more than one imagines at first glance. “. The venture was first tested by his daughters, who gave him valuable observations and inspired him to further enrich this educational journey.

Interactive training with humor and imagination

The researcher’s approach is distinguished by humor and creativity. In laboratories and school presentations, it parallels the properties of insects with super forces from pop culture. He states for example: “When I ask the kids about Superman’s super forces, they are in a hurry to answer that it is getting laser out of the eyes … Unfortunately, such an insect does not exist, but I gain their attention with other, unknown qualities. So children learn, for example, that a mosquit 360 degree vision.

The “heroes” of the microcosm and the distinct weakness

We asked Mr. Avtzis which insect would consider the Superman of the microcosm: “Difficult question … I can’t distinguish one. For me, every insect has its own, fascinating superpowers. Others fly, others mimic, others communicate with ways we still study. But if you ask me about personal weakness, I will tell you a small, rather unknown beetle: the Pityogenes Chalographus, a cortex of college. He is not the most impressive “hero”, but he is mine. We all have our weaknesses »admits with a smile.

Unique experience for schools and visitors

Dimitris Avtzis’ educational presentations have thrilled thousands of children, offering them an unprecedented, interactive experience. “The little ones, up to high school, I keep them comfortably,” he says. For older children it adds elements from history, cinema and technology, to keep their interest undiminished, even for issues that initially seem distant.

Familiarity with the world of insects also contributes to the fight against important phobias, as children have the ability to touch the exhibits safely. As he points out: “Some of the exhibits are so designed so that children can touch them. And this helps to overcome one of their greatest phobias: the touch of an insect ».

Greek Entomological Collection: Educational Reserve

Mr. Avzi’s collection includes more than 300-400 species of Greek insectswith clear pedagogical targeting. As he notes, the exhibits are inspired by the old inserts of National Geographic, but here they maintain a purely Greek identity and orientation in experiential education.

On the occasion of the 89th TIF, part of this impressive collection is presented to the general public, proving that insects can become a source of knowledge, entertainment and inspiration. At the same time, the researcher’s work attracts the interest of teachers and not only, as he notes with humor: “If you want to come to the Institute one day, show you the” battle “with the armies of insects – like a setting from an epic fantasy movie”.

The photos for the article were given by Mr. Avtzis.

Edited by: El. Alexiadou