Museum Nature

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

We welcome all people to the museum. We hope all people will come to understand, love, respect and care for nature and all that exists throughout creation. An ultimate state of conscious connection within all human "beings" would benefit and return balance to all of the world's ecological systems.

Visit the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders for a unique - "once in a lifetime" educational experience. We serve as a house of reminders displaying precious gifts of nature and expressions of infinite beauty and wonder. We care for thousands of insects, butterflies, seashells, fossils, beautiful-unusual stones and many other amazing rarities from Thailand and other countries.

I, Mr.Manop Rattanarithikul a man 75 years young, hold an all in one role of owner, manager, and maintainer of the non-profit museum and all of it's hidden treasures. You can enjoy this collection of eclectic rarities, which have been personally gathered by my honoring and enduring spirit for over 50 years. The purpose of conserving natural treasures within the museum is to encourage and inspire people to understand, reconnect and care for all of creation. For the benefit of all living things now and throughout all times of this wondrous world.

Museum History

When I was 3 years old, my father wanted to have a photograph taken of me with my 91-year-old grandmother at the photo shop. The moment that frightening black hood went over the photographer's head I started howling with fear and refused to stop. This happened on three visits to the photographer. On the one-hour walk home my grandmother became tired and asked to rest. At this time there were always vultures circling Chiang Mai City and I remember watching them as we stopped at a tree at the Pratu Chiang Mai gate. My grandmother found a piece of rock that fascinated me. It may have been nothing special, but my grandmother enticed me with it, informing me that it was a vulture's egg that had the power to keep away ghosts or any bad or unwanted thing (like sickness or dangers). It was of common belief that many ghosts existed and that they were dangerous and we should fear them. She told me that I would be allowed to keep this powerful egg if I agreed not to cry and stand still while the photo was taken. Here I am standing next to my grandmother and you will notice an inconspicuous lump jutting out of my pocket, my original prize find! This is the first rock I collected!

You will find this all-powerful rock on display in the museum. It holds many stories inside. Since I believed in my Grandmother's word, the power of the vulture egg was very real and the stone came with me everywhere. It was placed in my bag in the daytime and under my pillow at night. That is until I became married! From the year I received the position as a Malaria field investigator of the Project of Malaria and Filariasis Control in Thailand I had to travel in the jungle villages throughout Thailand and neighboring countries to collect samples for my studies and research. I always carried that stone in my backpack, even if my duties took me to America and Europe, it was with me until I retired. Now it protects the museum and all who sees it!

In1950, the Project of Malaria and Filariasis Control of Thailand hired me as an assistant for collecting mosquitoes in the field, (I received a fine salary of 12 Baht (30 cent) a day), and they taught me how to identify different species of mosquito. It was at this time that I started collecting insects.

In 1959, Mrs Rampa Rattanarithikul, my wife, received her first job working with mosquitoes for the Malaria Mosquito Research project of the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).

In 1964, the United States Operation Mission to Thailand (USOM). Coincidentally in 1965 the US. Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), formerly apart of SEATO, sent Mrs. Rampa and I to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., U.S.A. to filled the temporary positions of the museums mosquito taxonomists. When I traveled to America and Europe I began collecting seashells, fossils, rock and other natural rarities from all around the world.

From 1957 to 1997, Dr. Rampa and I continued the study and research of mosquito borne diseases in Thailand. Our travels took us around Thailand and into many neighboring countries. Much of our time was spent in villages near mountainous areas and forest fringes. Human activities such as logging, road building, and land clearing by fire, disrupted or destroyed insect habitats. Most of the insects that we gathered had completed their life cycle or were found dead as a result of these activities.

As development in Thailand spread throughout the country, moving deeper into rural and forested areas, environments changed and habitats continued to face destruction. In bearing witness to the devastating effects of development, we realized the importance of preserving all of the specimens that are now rare or possibly extinct. From the beginning it was our intention to build a museum. The museum of Insects and Natural Wonders was officially established and opened to the public in1999.

We wish to help bring attention to the conservation and preservation of all natural life while emphasizing the importance of creating no harm or impact upon the original environment. We wish to conserve the natural world for the inherent right of all living things.

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Purpose of the Museum

The museum is a treasure of our nation. I am a conservationist dedicated to nature. The museum operates with the purpose of preserving various natural wonders and rarities. We endeavor to educate, encourage and inspire people worldwide to understand and appreciate nature's inherent value and role. Everybody has an important place as nature's caretakers and can help return the balance to sustain its beauty forever.

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Collection
How the museum specimens were collected

1.	Most specimens had completed their life cycle and were collected dead on the ground, underneath big rock and trees or the vegetation where they lived.
2.	Some specimens were collected as a result of logging trees. These trees were logged in order to slash and burn the forest for rice fields and other crops. They were found dead under nearby rocks and the dead trees.
3.	Electricity in remote areas provides light, that attracts many insects into homes where they eventually die, inside they were found and collected.
4.	Natural spaces housing insects and other wildlife has been disturbed from human activity involving; road construction, air pollution and forestry practices. The land in these areas has become hotter and drier due to the lack of vegetation that previously existed. Some of these areas no longer provide the habitat required for some species. The insects were collected as a result of these disruptions. Natural life such as insects hold instinctive knowledge and they naturally feel when they are going to die. Often they move into hiding areas where they are safe from harm. When many insects die together in the same location you will often find a long line of ants working together to collect their food. This is how I found many insects. I simply followed the long line of ants through the forest.
5.	Some specimens of insect, seashell, fossil, rock and mineral are from private collections and museums from all over the world. Specimens have been traded in Thailand, other countries, as well as between individuals.
6.	Our museum has an extensive collection of rocks and minerals from Thailand and other countries. We gathered the rocks from the side of newly constructed roads where the soils were taken from mountains, riverbeds and forest floors. During the process of compaction the bull dozer levels the road and pushes a lot of soil and stones to the lower side. After a few rainy seasons these beautiful stones appear and you will also find many wonderful fossils.
7.	40 % of the specimens in the museum's collection came from many of my generous friends' donations from all around the world. They donated with the intention that, "The museum belongs to everybody and it serves as an educational experience for all future generations."

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Contents of the Museum.

The museum is home to more than 10,000 species of insects, officially 28 orders, collected from all over the world. There are at least 436 species of Thai mosquitoes. Posted charts and diagrams help to explain how mosquito transmitted diseases work. You will also find a most impressive array of butterflies and moths. They shimmer with iridescence, opalescence and translucence. Mere words cannot describe the beauty of these creatures. There is an extensive display of Coleoptera, commonly known as beetles. Many beetles are large and reach the length of 17 cm and are iridescent or widely patterned. The museum holds many types; social insects, aquatic insects, insects of medical importance, plant pests, camouflage insects, insects that mimic foliage and others, as well as insects that are now protected. There is also an extensive shell collection including very rare species and even some varieties that have not yet been named. There are fossils (Cambrian period, 500-300 million years to Pliocene period 5-1 million years) of trilobites, leaves, fish, crab, shells, shark's teeth, dinosaur eggs and bones and diverse displays of fantastic stones and petrified wood.

Insects
The museum holds a collection of exotic and fascinating specimens of insects from around the world, over 315 genera, 4,668 species. You will experience; 436 mosquito species of Thailand, giant beetles, the longest stick insect in the world as well as mutation and hermaphrodite insects.

Butterflies
The museum holds a collection of beautiful butterflies and moths from around the world, over 51 genera, 1,109 species. You will experience the largest butterfly and it's classic rarity Ornithoptera alexandrae , to the extinct butterflies of the world, Bhutanitis lidderdalei ocellatomaculata .

Seashells
The museum holds a collection of exquisite seashells from around the world, over 98 genera and 1,674 species. You will experience the snail from the highest mountain, to the seashell from the bottom of the ocean as well as the classic rarity of Conus Gloriamaris , Glory of the Sea Cone.

Fossils
The museum holds a collection of fossils from the Cambrian period, 550-500 million years, to Pliocene period 5-1 million years. You will experience Trilobites, Dinosaur bones and eggs, Ammonites, Shells, Snails, Fish, Shrimp, Lobsters, Crabs, Corals, Urchins, Plants and Trees.
The Trilobites are from the Cambrian period [500 million years].
The dinosaur Neusticosaurus is from the Triassic period [250 million years].
The dinosaur Keichousaurus hui is from the Triassic period [200 million years]. Carapace of Sinemys lens from the Jurassic period [150 million years].
The Asia giant dinosaur egg, 20x56 cm, is from the Gobi desert, Mongolia. Jurassic period (190 million years). Not to mention hundreds of beautiful species of petrified wood.

Stone
A collection of spectacular rocks and fantastic stones, from the precious beautiful stone to the comical.

Natural Rarities / Natural Wonders
Meteorite in the form of an eye.
Rock in the form of the Buddha image.
The human footprint, inscribed on a stone.
Many different specimens of wonderful natural things.

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Termites Make Wonderful Art

After the forest is slashed and burned there are pieces of wood that are left in good shape which have the potential to be transformed into natural works of art. I gathered many interesting pieces to add to the museum's collection. These art forms of the beautiful days of the past.

The wood feeds the termites and in turn, it seems the termites gives thanks by eating in a pattern that expresses the spirit of the sacred tree. We can all take note of these messages of wisdom and use them to help guide us to a better way of living.

I have collected many pieces of natural works of art. I would like to give an example of some of these pieces and give an account of the philosophy I read in these forms.

1.	The Way This natural sculpture is an amalgamation of 3 different forms I collected. A piece of stone is also included. I chose to put them together to convey a powerful message that these forms can teach us. If we are not able to manage our anger or negativity we will continue into the downward spiral - a whirlpool in our heart. Worse yet we may act upon our anger or fear and light into flames and we will only burn ourselves. Therefore it is wiser to keep as cool as the stone. For all things must pass.
2.	First Bowl of Mother's Rice This piece symbolizes the first bowl of rice, which is given by the mother to her child. The maternal instinct that mother possesses, cares and protects us helping us to grow strong in every way.
3.	Natural Spirit of the Flower This sculpture is an arrangement of 3 different types of wood, the base is teak, the vase is a hard wood and the branches extended from the vase are that of the old Redwood tree. The Redwood tree is the only type of tree that creates this type of design and it is always appears as the same style of flower. These Redwood trees are only found in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. The tree is now under protection by the government as the accounted numbers continue to decline. The wood is very hard and has a rough bark. As the tree gets older some of the branches weaken and in strong winds and rain the older branches break and fall to the ground. It than is buried into soft soil and after approximately two years the branch itself becomes soft and excellent food for the termite. Heavy rains often impact the buried branch and return it to the surface. These sculptures can be carried in floods and found in locations far from the Redwood trees. For a sculpture to be eaten into such patterns, as the one displayed in this picture, it takes at least one full year. It is a mystery how and why the termites bite the trees in this way. The theory that I like to believe in is that the termite's can read and respect the spirit of the tree and eat it in a pattern the tree's wish to express. The spirit of this tree takes the form of a beautiful flower reminding us of the beauty of the land. In our busy lives we must take a step back, take a time to breathe consciously and be inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds us - and of the wisdom of the old redwood tree.

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The Museum is an Educational Experience
Mosquitoes Benefit to Humans

Despite the common assumption built into swatters and zappers, the little mosquitoes are more of our friends than enemy. Like anything in nature, this family of insects brings many useful benefits to many creatures and processes. In Thailand 436 different species of mosquitoes have been discovered. Of these 436 species only 10 are vectors for disease. These transmitted diseases cause only 5 people, in 1 million to die every year.

GENUS	SPECIES	DISEASE
Anopheles	Dirus	Malaria Fever
Anopheles	Minimus	Malaria Fever
Anopheles	Maculatus	Malaria Fever
Mansonia	Annulifera	Filariasis / Elephant Foot
Mansonia	Indiana	Filariasis / Elephant Foot
Mansonia	Uniformis	Filariasis / Elephant Foot
Aedes	Aegypti	Dengue / Haemorrhagic fever
Culex	Gelidus	Japanese Encephalitis
Culex	Tritaeniorhynchus	Japanese Encephalitis
Culex	Vishnui	Japanese Encephalitis

Often people view the mosquito as a pest or a dangerous threat! Many may be wondering what could the 426 species of mosquitoes do to help living systems in Thailand? Why isn't every species of mosquito a vector for disease with the capability to carry and transfer diseases to other life?

Nature gives each species a specific design and only certain species of mosquito are physiologically designed with the capability to carry and transmit the disease to humans and animals.

All animals of this planet carry disease in their body. Who will become sick or die and by what disease depends on several dynamic factors. We could consider the level of immunity within the body or the energetic strength/capability to resist or destroy the poison of the specific disease. Some may feel this is chance but this state is often termed as Natural Selection.

Everything in the world moves through unique lifecycles according to their origin of family/species. Some basic lifecycle processes are; birth, consumption, deification, mating, health, sickness, old age, and death. The transmitted disease will also go through similar processes in the blood. If the disease is destroyed or resisted through medical care or by the immune system it will die and not further its life cycle. All animals, (including humans!), healthy and unhealthy, eventually die to complete their lifecycle. It is recorded that every human in the world will die before the age of 120 and in Thailand the average life expectancy is 65 years.

When we truly understand the foundation of natural law and life processes we will recognize the harmonious balance it creates within and across all living systems. There is nothing to be afraid of or surprised by as everything follows the natural rules of the universe that is inherit within every living creature, process and system.

As discussed, many species of mosquitoes in Thailand do not have the capability to transfer disease to humans. It is very interesting to study and come to understand their role in maintaining equilibrium throughout ecological processes. As a human being you may be interested to know that our relationship with the mosquito is one of friendship - existing in states of mutualism.

The lifecycle of the disease is similar to life processes of all animals. The male and female give birth and the first born disease, resembles a baby as it doesn't have strong enough poison to destroy the host. The host will then create immunity to fight or create resistance to that specific disease. If the body is successful in creating resistance and does not become sick, the disease dies, completing the lifecycle, as it is incapable of creating new cells.

If we look to the past, about 10,000 years ago, humans didn't have hospitals or scientific doctors. How could humans develop, survive, evolve and spread all over the world? They didn't die off from disease; in contrast there was life everywhere. Other animals also didn't have a doctor or hospital, but they too developed and thrived all over the world. When humans were sick they knew how to utilize plants/herbs for medicine. There is an inherent, instinctive system available for healing. When you are open to connect, nature becomes an ultimate teacher and in so information naturally flows to you through all of life.

All living things follow simple basic laws - founding principles of nature. Everything must exist in balance, internally, within the living system and externally, in relation and exchange with other living systems. Why does the world have day and night, hot and cold, birth and death? The answer in found in one simple answer. Balance.

Now we understand that all living things have their own lifecycle, moving through birth and youth, health and sickness, old age and death. Nature creates and maintains everything in balance within the ecological system. If we study nature than we can learn and understand the truth within all of natural creation. We will understand that nothing is unuseful, everything exists with inherit value and purpose. Even our friend the mosquito! We need to re-establish a connection with nature; a relationship built on understanding and love. When we give our hearts to nature, when we dedicate our lives to nature, we will find true happiness and peace. This brings an enduring spirit to all nature lovers.

It is important to understand that nature doesn't always follow specific patterns, everything is constantly changing and natural processes are working towards balance. Mosquito's are no exception; here is an example of the different physiological behaviors of the female mosquito. Usually the male feeds on flower juice or tree sap and the female feeds on blood. However, the giant mosquito Genus Toxorhynchites splendens, is an exception to this golden rule. With this 'in house', domesticated mosquito both of the male and female feed only on flower juice or tree sap (vegeterian) and the lava of these species is the predator. They feed on the larva of a very dangerous species Aedes aegypti which is the vector of Dengue fever or Haemorrhagic fever. In this species, the male feeds on flower juice or tree sap but the females feed on blood and therefore are the disease transmitters. We use the larvae Toxorhynchites splendens to control the population of Aedes aegypti to stop the transmission of Dangue fever. These mosquitoes are another example of the many specialties of nature's creation.

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Painting
The enduring spirit of painting

I did not have any experience of painting before, but always held the love of art in my heart. I started to paint when I was 70 years old - with an aim to do better. I dedicate my work to all people in hopes that it will bring them into thoughts and feelings of peaceful freedoms in a state of heightened contentment towards life and living. I wanted to put more interesting things in the museum and bring attention to the importance of the many mediums of educational experiences we can tap into. I would like my art to help build an understanding of nature and social community and act as an encouragement to be sympathetic towards each other. The painting may present one's point of views or the meaning of truth with pure spirit of art created for the benefit of all humankind both now and in the future.

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Goal

With my new found, expressive artistic talent, alongside the help of my friend Mr. Prajhaub, (who adds the color to my design), I intend to use the works to help raise money for a new museum. A new building would have the capacity to display and store another 50 percent of specimens. These priceless treasures lay in waiting for a permanent display for visitors.

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Understanding Malaria
How can we understand the dangerous situation of Malaria in Thailand?

Please take 80 Baht from your wallet and buy one Thai lottery ticket. You have a very good opportunity to win the first prize, the jackpot! It is much easier to win 20 million Baht than to contract and become sick with Malaria.

In Thailand we have three Anophele mosquito species that are the vectors of Malaria. There are two Mansonia mosquito species that are the vectors of Filariasis or elephant foot, and 1 Aedes mosquito species that is the vectors of Dengue fever or Haemorrhagic fever. The most dangerous species of malaria is Plasmodium falciparum. It has the ability to kill human life within a 2-week period if it has not been effectively treated. However, the sickness can be cured if it is immediately and correctly treated. In Thailand, the yearly deaths caused by these diseases are approximately 400 out of 65 million people.

As mentioned, we know that there are at least 426 mosquito species living throughout Thailand that are unable to be the vector or carrier of any disease. Everything in the world interacts and plays an inherent role in balancing the planet's ecological systems. These mosquitoes are unable to transfer the disease but they do transfer a minor toxin that acts to generate antibodies within the body. These antibodies create immunity, enabling resistance against major diseases within all animals. This process is a natural vaccination, the injection from the mosquitoes provides a strong benefit to animals and humans by protecting them from future sickness. If there weren't any natural vaccinations from mosquitoes many more animals and humans in the world would become sick and die from many more dangerous diseases.

When there wasn't any doctors and hospitals, nature's dynamic force taught all animals to treat illnesses by utilizing their instinctive senses. They used their instinct to cure themselves naturally by eating different plants or the leaves of trees. Humans also learnt from observing other animal behavior, what actions they were doing, and things that they were eating to feel better. This practice of natural healing has always and continues to faithfully serve all life.

There is now anti-malaria medicine available for humans. How does this medicine work and how can you be sure that it will produce positive effects within your body and truly provide protection? There are many facts everyone should be made aware of.

1.	When you drink or eat, it absorbs some of the medication and dilutes its strength, making it less effective in destroying the malaria parasite.
2.	The anti malaria pill destroys some of the natural immunity that exists within your body.
3.	If the anti-malaria medicine is not the perfect match in destroying the parasite, the parasite will then become familiar to the medicine, giving it resistance to that strain of medicine. Working in opposition, it makes the medicine useless and the parasite stronger.
4.	There are three species of malaria parasites and each has their own design, poison and abilities to kill. Therefore it is common sense that one strain of medication does not have the ability to protect us from and treat all species together.