In a classic moment from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” wildlife expert Jim Fowler brought a massive beetle onto the show, much to the surprise of the audience. As soon as the word “insects” was mentioned, the audience reacted with excitement and anticipation.
Insects are incredibly useful creatures in the world, and Fowler shed light on the importance of learning about them. With more species of insects in the world than any other living thing, they play a vital role in our ecosystem.
The Cincinnati Zoo, known for its impressive insect collection, was hosting a big AZPA meeting at the time. Fowler showcased a remarkable specimen known as the Goliath beetle, which is one of the largest beetles in the world.
As Fowler gently held the beetle on his arm, Carson marveled at its massive size. Fowler explained that the Goliath beetle is native to Africa and is known for its aggressive behavior during mating season. He warned Carson not to put his finger near the beetle’s hinge point, as its powerful mandibles could pinch painfully.
Notably, the Goliath beetle only lives for about three months and primarily feeds on a variety of substances. Its larvae breed in hollow, rotten logs, and males often engage in battles by bulldozing each other.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Goliath beetle is actually quite gentle and safe to handle. Carson couldn’t help but express his amazement and apprehension as Fowler demonstrated the beetle’s size and behavior.
During the segment, the beetle unexpectedly took flight, surprising both Carson and Fowler. This unexpected revelation added to the excitement and wonder of the moment.
As the conversation progressed, Fowler introduced another fascinating creature, the Jackson’s chameleon, which also captivated Carson’s attention. Fowler explained that this chameleon, native to West Africa, was a non-poisonous insect-eating animal and one of the most prehistoric creatures in existence.
The American Association of Zoological Parks and Gardens expressed interest in these insects and animals, as it was the first time a zoo had displayed insects as a major exhibit.
Although Fowler attempted to show Carson the color-changing abilities of the chameleon, it was too disturbed and did not change color on the show. However, Fowler mentioned that under certain conditions, chameleons can change their color to camouflage themselves.
This unforgettable segment on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” showcased the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of Jim Fowler. His ability to both educate and entertain made for a lively and engaging episode. It was a truly memorable moment in the history of the iconic talk show.
