Get into the spirit of Halloween with a visit to the Vampire Crabs

Online, October 20, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Get into the spirit of Halloween this October Half Term with a visit to the Vampire Crabs, the latest residents at the Stratford Butterfly Farm. The crabs, also known as Geosesarma sp, are a new species and originate from South East Asia. They are unusual in that they do not need the sea to breed. The crabs pincers and facial front are coloured purple and their neon orange eyes are a striking characteristic. Measuring at least 2cm in width, they can live for several years. Primarily carnivores, they like to eat mosquito larvae, live earthworms, shrimp and snails. Fascinating to watch, they are fairly active during the day and like to sit on or close to each other.

For those that want to be scared in the run up to Halloween, the Stratford Butterfly Farm has a number of tarantulas to view, although safely kept in glass tanks. Skeleton Tarantulas are one such spider making an appearance. The spiders, which originate from the forests of Guyana and Northern Brazil, can reach up to 6 inches in legspan. They are slightly more aggressive than others in the family and have the tendency to flick hairs in defense as well as rearing up. At the same time, visitors can see the seven other female Tarantulas all in residence within Arachnoland. All the Tarantulas are housed singly as they are highly cannibalistic although completely safe to visitors in their glass homes.

From Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November, children of all ages can get up close and meet some of the insects which reside at the Butterfly Farm, home to the largest live insect display in the world. "Meet the Minibeasts" talks and handling sessions will take place each day with a Halloween theme at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Children will be able to hold Giant Stick Insects, Giant Millipedes and Giant African Snails as they learn more about these fascinating insects from experts at the Butterfly Farm.

The Stratford Butterfly Farm will be open from 10:00am - 5:30pm during Half Term. For more information, please contact the Stratford Butterfly Farm on 01789 299288 or visit the official website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk