Who has never heard expressions like nosy, cockroach, cockroach blood and flea behind the ear? They are part of our daily lives and are a small sample of how insects populate the popular imagination. These curious beings and their representations in art and culture are the theme of the exhibition Insects in Brazilian Culture, held from January 15 to March 14, 2010, in the Garden of the Museum of the Republic, located in Catete, Rio de Janeiro.

On the paths of the museum, giant insects in the form of carnival sculptures and installations by artist Cristina Pape. In the grotto of Jardim da República, some of the approximately five million specimens that make up the collection of the Entomological Collection of IOC, one of the largest insect collections in Latin America. Highlights include a butterfly garden measuring more than 70m², with its own landscaping and eight species of butterflies.

On the bandstand, works from the series Lost Cities by plastic artist Rubens Ianelli, with objects made of wood fragments that have suffered the action of termites, highlighting with a brush and gouache paint points that resemble real constructions. Throughout the garden, works by other artists, such as Getúlio Damado and DIM, represent insects through the use of various materials, in addition to toys inspired by these animals. Songs, legends and tales, recorded in 96 audio files, reinforce the influence of insects in popular culture and thematic videos show the importance of insects for health and for the ecosystem.