Artist David Rogers brings his big, bold bugs to SABOT this fall, and we’re practically bug-eyed with excitement!
Story by Iris Gonzalez
Typically, an invasion of giant bugs would sound like a scene out of a science fiction movie. Yet this is one outdoor adventure you can safely share with family members, young and old.
This fall, enjoy the 38 acres of the San Antonio Botanical Garden as you hunt for 10 enormous bug sculptures artist David Rogers built from natural materials, such as willow branches, carved red cedar branches, and black walnut logs.
Great Big Bugs
The artworks feature a dragonfly, ants, a praying mantis, even a spider perched on a giant web. Some bugs like the praying mantis stand as tall as 25 feet. The winged insects have wingspans up to 17-feet wide.
David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit opened over Labor Day weekend and will be on display until Dec. 8. Rogers’ collection tours across the U.S. and was last on view at the SABOT 10 years ago, so don’t miss your chance to see them this time.
Come prepared to walk if you plan on discovering all 10 sculptures. Be sure to pick up a map at the front desk to track them all down.
The first four are located near the garden’s entrance where there is no change in elevation for those who may tire quickly. For the more energetic, finding a giant dragonfly perched at the lake’s edge in the garden’s recreated East Texas Piney Woods microclimate will be quite the reward.
Art on the Fly
The sculptures have been traveling across the United States over the last 25 years to help educate people about the importance of the insect world, Rogers said. He wanted to use the giant bugs to help teach about the importance of preservation and conservation.
Rogers was not a traditional student, choosing to spend time outdoors in the woods near his home. The New York-based artist started by creating dinosaur sculptures. He then moved onto creating giant insects as he became fascinated by the roles they play in the plant world and how bugs connect to our everyday lives.
Many insects live in communal groups working for the common good, while others are soldiers, hunters, stalkers, weavers, gatherers, or even royalty.
Visitors can learn about these and other interesting facts about the sculptures’ real-world counterparts by reading the many signs scattered across the Botanical Garden.
Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs
Here’s one buggy fact that jumps out: Insects outnumber humans by a ratio of 1 million to one. And that is a conservative estimate.
In fact, we humans may be sharing the planet with about 6 million arthropod species. A headcount of arthropods – a group that includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans – reveals we only know about 1 million, with many unknown species possibly threatened by pollution or habitat loss.
Some more fascinating bug facts you can share:
- Only male crickets chirp.
- Insects are cold-blooded.
- Almost all insects hatch from eggs.
- When they chirp, some cicadas are as loud as 120 decibels.
- Spiders are not insects.
- Antarctica is the only place in the world without bees.
Want to learn more? The garden’s beautifully curated gift shop has stocked up on children’s books and other insect-themed items for tempting browsing before making your way home safely.
Best of all? Your ticket to the big, bold world of bugs at SABOT is included in your regular admission, so you can enjoy the show along with the entirety of the gardens. With autumn here, we can think of no better place to spend an afternoon, frankly. To learn more, visit SABOT.org.
Iris Gonzalez is a journalist who covers technology, cybersecurity, and bioscience innovation in San Antonio’s startup community at Startups San Antonio. You can also check out her writing on food, travel, and culture at IrisGonzalez.com.
