Museum displays special specimens

"Nature’s Wonders: Spectacular Specimens" is on view at Bishop Museum’s J.M. Long Gallery through Dec. 1. The exhibition showcases delicate sea horses, iridescent butterflies and beetle-shell jewelry from the museum’s natural history collections, selected from more than 22 million specimens.

Curators say the exhibition was developed to provide a visual celebration and spark a greater appreciation for the natural world around us.

Native cultures throughout the Pacific incorporated items such as shells, feathers and ferns into wearable ornaments, from helmets to necklaces and bracelets, with some examples on display. Pieces such as a colorful moth arrangement, jewelry that features luminous beetles, and more demonstrate the fusion of fashion and nature.

The exhibit is also a hit with children, who are fascinated by insects, bird nests and eggs on display.

Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Mondays. Admission is $19.95 general, $16.95 for 65 and older, $14.95 for ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and younger. Kamaaina and active military rates are $12.95, $10.95 and $8.95, respectively. Call 847-3511 for more information.