Eye position and shape in the holotypes of new taxa and representative specimens of new leeches recently discovered inside freshwater mussels. Image credit: Anna L. Klass.

Gimme shelter: Seven new leech species call freshwater mussels home

November 11, 2019

The frequent presence of leeches with a hidden lifestyle in the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels has been recorded since the second half of the 19th century. Yet this was, until now, regarded as an accidental phenomenon. Recent research not only reveals seven mussel-associated leech species new to science, but also shows that their association… Read More >

Darwin Day

Celebrate Darwin Day at NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Nov. 9

October 31, 2019

(RALEIGH, N.C.) — Learn about famed naturalist Charles Darwin, take a closer look at his theories and their impact on modern science, and meet some of the scientists who are continuing his work when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts Darwin Day on Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. In addition to presentations… Read More >

A tiny brown dermestid beetle sits on top of a dry bone. All done!

Eaters of the Dead, Dermestid Beetles

By Wendy Lovelady, Senior Exhibit & Media Developer, and Jess Wackes, PR & Marketing Coordinator. Photos by Matt Bertone. These beetles are bone cleaners. Dermestid beetles like these are in the business of cleaning bones. They are decomposers—they eat dead flesh, fur, feathers, or fibers. They leave only the bones behind. Young dermestids will work… Read More >

"Milky Way Crane" - painting by Lee Mims.

Raleigh native Lee Mims featured at Museum’s Nature Art Gallery in November

October 25, 2019

Detail of “Milky Way Crane” by Lee Mims. (RALEIGH, N.C.) — The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Nature Art Gallery presents “Beyond Nature: From a Different Point of View,” artwork by Lee Mims. The show runs Nov. 1–24, with a Gallery reception Saturday, Nov. 2, 2–4 p.m. All exhibited art is for sale. Mims… Read More >

A young teacher is surrounded by students beneath the red, glowing meteorite models in the Museum. She points up, explaining the sciences behind space!

5 Staff Favorites at the Museum, NRC Edition

October 24, 2019

by Jon Pishney, Head of Communications. Facilitated by Jess Wackes, PR & Marketing Coordinator. Photos by Karen Swain, Web Editor. More times than I can tell, I’ve heard visitors say that our Museum is so big they can’t see everything in one day. I’ve been working here 16 years and I still run across things… Read More >