MEET MR. AND MRS ROOT BEER

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center Critter Corner is home to many critters, including Mr. and Mrs. Root Beer and their family. They all reside comfortably and at home in our Critter Corner. They are root-beerish (dark brown to black) in color and can reach up to 3 inches in length, from front to back. They can also weigh up to 25 grams. This critter is native to Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. Let’s learn more about these fascinating critters.

MALE VS. FEMALE

There is a big difference between males and females. Males have raised bumps referred to as a horn along with a brow ridge on the pronotum (behind the head), and their antennas are hairier than the female antenna. Females possess small bumps on the pronotum (behind the head) and are easily distinguishable from the male hissing cockroach. Their behavior differs as well. Only males are aggressive, and females will hiss only when disturbed. 

THE AGGRESSIVE MALE

Male encounters with other males can be pretty impressive. They use their horns to ram into each other. They also use their abdomen to push into each other during fights. Larger males usually win. Hissing plays an essential role during male-male exchanges. Winners of these encounters hiss more than losers. The hiss also contains information about the size of the male hissing and may be used to assess the opponent’s size. 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is a large critter for its type. Although they are wingless, they have an unusual ability to produce an angry, cat-like hissing sound that can be quite startling. Hence, its name. This unique critter creates this sound by forcing air through spiracles (opening) located on the lateral sides of its abdomen. They will hiss when disturbed, fighting, or during mating.

NATURAL HABITAT

It is believed that this critter lives on the forest floor and around rotten logs, giving it lots of options to hide from predators. Although they have a brilliant ability to climb, it’s likely that they primarily feed on the jungle floor, such as on fallen fruit, possibly decomposing animals, rotting plants, and small insects. In their natural habitat, the climate is humid and damp. 

LIFE CYCLE

Males will hiss during courtship interactions with females. To mate, the male pushes his abdomen under and along the female’s body until he engages the end of her abdomen. Females are ovoviviparous, which means their eggs are hatched within her body, and she gives birth to live young. The female carries the egg and neonate nymph for sixty days, and she can carry from thirty to sixty eggs at a time. The nymphs will undergo six molts before reaching maturity in seven months. Their life span is from 2 to 5 years. 

SHOWTIME

From time to time, you’ve probably seen this critter used in a television commercial or film as a stand-in for other more common household cockroaches. The reason is simple; the Madagascar hissing cockroach is larger and much easier to work with than other roaches. They are calm and less skittish, making it easy to handle and maneuver while filming. Also, this type of cockroach doesn’t have wings, so there is no need to worry about them flying off, which could be a director’s nightmare. Can you imagine? 

AS PETS

The Madagascar hissing cockroach isn’t your standard kitchen-invading cockroaches. This pet could be a good choice if you’re trying to get over a fear of crawly creatures. A 5 to 10-gallon fish tank will comfortably house several Madagascar hissing cockroaches. They are excellent climbers, so be sure to add a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the walls of their habitat, a few inches from the top, to prevent them from climbing out. 

Stop by Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center and talk to the staff to learn more about these critters. They will be happy to give you additional pointers on how to keep a Madagascar hissing cockroach as a pet. 

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Three Toed Box Turtle

Baby is one of our original Critter Corner Ambassadors.  She has visited with hundreds of school children during the years she has called JMDC home.  Baby came to us as a donation from a family that was no longer able to keep her.  Baby is very friendly and looks forward to her daily tasty worm snack.

The three-toed box turtle is native to south-central United States, from Missouri and Oklahoma south to Alabama and west into Texas. This turtle needs to live near water and prefers a combination of wooded and grassy habitat.  Populations of all 6 subspecies of Terrapene carolina, including the three-toed box turtle, are in decline. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, the world’s leading conservation organization. The main causes of decline are habitat destruction.

If you sponsor Baby, your donation will help pay for her food and care.

Just $5.00 per month or $60.00 per year will contribute to Baby’s food and upkeep.

Panther Chameleon

Rango has been part of the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center Critter family for the past year.  His vibrant colors and his tong like feet which allow him to grip tight to narrow branches make him a favorite with Critter Corner visitors.

Panther Chameleons are native to Madagascar.  They live in tropical forests and bushes. Panther chameleons have very long tongues (sometimes longer than their own body length) which they are capable of rapidly extending out of the mouth.   At the tip of this elastic tongue, a muscular, club-like structure covered in thick mucus forms a suction cup. Once the tip sticks to a prey item, it is drawn quickly back into the chameleon’s mouth.

If you sponsor Rango, your donation will help to pay for his food and care.

Just $10.00 per month or $120.00 per year will contribute to Rango’s food and upkeep.

Green Iguana

Zilla, our Green Iguana, came to live at Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center over three years ago when the family with whom she was living could no longer care for her.  She is one of our original Critter Corner residents.  Zilla loves to have her head scratched, and one of her favorite treats is blueberries.

The green iguana is native to South America and some portions of central and North America where it typically lives high up in trees in the rainforest. The iguana is mostly an herbivore, meaning that it likes to eat plants including leaves and fruit.  An interesting feature of green iguanas is their third eye. This is an extra eye on top of their head called a parietal eye. This eye is not quite like a normal eye, but it can help iguanas detect the movement of a predator sneaking up on them from above.

If you sponsor Zilla, your donation will help pay for her food and care.

Just $20.00 per month or $240.00 per year will contribute to Zilla’s food and upkeep.

Motley Marble Golden Child Reticulated Python

Toby, is nearly two years old, and has called Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center home for the past year.  During his time here, Toby has grown from a mere 5-foot yearling to nearly 7 feet long.  When he is full grown, he can reach anywhere from 12 – 14 feet in length.   

Reticulated pythons are native to South Asia and Southeast Asia.  In their natural habitat a reticulated python will eat birds and mammals.  At Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, Toby eats large rats.

If you sponsor Toby, your donation will help pay for his food and care. 

Just $20.00 per month or $240.00 per year will contribute to Toby’s food and upkeep.

Frilled lizard

Nigel is a hybrid ¾ New Guinea ¼ Australian Frilled Lizard; and the newest member of the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center Critter family.  As a yearling, Nigel is still small.  When he is full grown, he will be about 24” long.  Nigel is an insectivore.  We feed him a diet of super worms, cockroaches, and crickets. 

Frilled lizards have a unique mode of defense.  When they are frightened, opens its pink or yellow mouth, and stands up on two back legs. It then pops up the large piece of colorful thin, extra skin surrounding its neck, like an umbrella. 

If you sponsor Nigel, your donation will help pay for his food and care.

Just $10.00 per month or $100.00 per year will contribute to Nigel’s food and care.

Volunteer Application

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches can be found in tropical forests, near river banks, and around trees and logs. Their geographic range in limited to Madagascar.

In the wild, cockroaches consume various plant and animal matter. At Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, we feed them greens, fruits, and vegetables.

Cockroaches can live from 2 – 5 years.

If you sponsor me and my family, your donation will pay for my food and care.

Just $5.00 per month or $60.00 per year will feed a family of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches for one year.

Volunteer Requirements

  • Enjoy people and interacting with others
  • Completed training and demonstrated comprehension of information and techniques
  • Have an interest in nature, or the willingness to learn
  • Have an open mind that is ready to learn and experience new things
  • Be willing to represent Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center in a friendly and professional manner
  • Be able to communicate clearly and calmly
  • Be responsible, committed, punctual, flexible and neat in appearance
  • Have free time to devote to the position

Package #9 – Create Your Own Birthday Party Experience

JMDC Staff will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind birthday experience.  Bring your big ideas and we’ll see what we can do!  

JMDC Family Membership – Price is quoted based on your imagination. 

Looking to make your party even more special? 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #8 – The Roswell Archaeology Experience

This is archaeology at a new level.  Excavate fossils and artifacts that may have been left by visitors from other planets.  You never know what you may find when exploring at JMDC. 

JMDC Family Membership – $120.00 for 10 children and 30 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $180.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

 

Package #7 – Fossils Through Time

This party is designed for the celebrant who loves fossils.  Your party leader will take Explorers through the fossil time line.  Explorers will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with all types of fossils.  Conclude the fossil experience by polishing an ammonite to take home.

JMDC Family Membership – $150.00 for 10 children and 30 adults.  $13.50 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Cost (Non-Members) – $210.00 for up to 10 children and 25 adults.  $13.50 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #6 – Adventures in Adobe

Who doesn’t like to play in the mud?  An Adventures in Adobe party is the perfect combination of education and fun.  Party Explorers will hear stories about life during the Mission period in California.  Then be prepared to get dirty.  Party Explorers will take off their shoes, roll up their pants legs, and stomp in the adobe mud until it is perfect brick consistency.  Everyone makes a brick to take home.

JMDC Family Membership – $120.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $180.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #5 – Paint a Dinosaur

This art oriented party is an excellent choice for children and adults alike.  Explorers can choose from a variety of premade dinosaur (or another ceramic figure) to paint, limited only by the imagination.  Our professional ceramics instructor will be there to offer tips and teach new painting techniques.  Each Party Explorer will take home a hand crafted work of art.  This package includes ceramic figure, paint and brushes.

JMDC Family Membership – $150.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $15.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $210.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $15.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

 

Package #4 – Storytelling with Pictographs

A party experience for creative folks of any age.  Party Explorers will experience the art of storytelling using pictures rather than words.  They will grind minerals into paint and, after a little practice, paint their story on wooden shingle using a yucca brush.

JMDC Family Membership – $130.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $11.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $190.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $11.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #3 – Strike it Rich! Gold Panning

Return to the days of early California with this wild west birthday adventure.  Participants will travel back to the Gold Rush Days of California.  Hear stories about the gold rush, learn panning techniques, then strike out to find some gold.  Keep the gems and minerals you discover.

JMDC Family Membership – $150.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $13.50 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Cost (Non-Members)- $210.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $13.50 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #2 – Diggin’ the Dinosaurs

A party for the future paleontologist or dinosaur enthusiast.  Party Explorers will hike through the gardens where they will learn about the dinosaurs from their knowledgeable Expedition Leader.  Upon arrival at the dig site, Explorers will learn the proper technique for excavating a fossil, and then try their hand at uncovering a mock Allosaurus skeleton.

JMDC Family Membership – $120.00 for 10 children and 30 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $180.00 for 10 children and 25 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Package #1 – Party with the Dinosaurs

The perfect party for the Rockhounder in your life. Through hands-on participation, Explorers learn identifying factors for some of the rocks and minerals we use every day.  A walk through the gardens follow, with stops along the way at the JMDC dinosaurs.  Your party Expedition Leader will share interesting dinosaur facts.  Once your group reaches Dino Mesa, Birthday Explorers are set loose in our collection area where twelve treasures of their choice can be added to an egg carton to take home.

JMDC Family Membership – $120.00 for 10 children and 30 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$3.00 for each additional adult. 

Non-Members – $180.00 for up to 10 children and 25 adults.  $10.00 for each additional child/$5.00 for each additional adult. 

Choose from our many available add-ons. 

Upgrade to deluxe surprise bags – $2.00 per bag 

Dippin’ Dots – $3.50 per person 

Paint a ceramic dinosaur – $7.00 per person 

Meet the Critters – $2.00 per person 

Add a second package – Save 30% on the lesser priced package 

Want more time for your party – Add an extra hour in the birthday area – $35.00 per hour 

Fossils through Time

Discover facts about fossils and the geological timeline. 

Explorers examine fossils close up and take home a fossil of their own. 

Cost – $12.50 per person.

Meets CA Next Generation Science Standards – 3LS4.A; 3LS4.C; 4ESS1.C; MS8ESS1.C; MS8LS4.A   

 

Dinosaur Dig

Our Dinosaur Dig site is fun for budding paleontologists of all ages! This Expedition introduces Explorers to the world of paleontology through a hands-on dig experience.  Explorers take a walking tour of our dinosaur sculptures, and then help unearth an Allosaurus fossil, replicating an actual dig.  

Cost – $10.00 per person. 

Meets CA Next Generation Science Standards – 3LS4.A; 3LS4.C; 4ESS1.C;

California Rockhound

This expedition offers an excellent opportunity for Explorers to become familiar with the rock cycle.  Covered topics included rock formation from magma (igneous rocks), water and wind erosion (sedimentary rocks), and heat and pressure (metamorphic rocks). Also included is a discussion about the importance of rocks and minerals as a natural resource. Each Explorer receives a set of eight rocks and eight minerals to take home. 

Cost – $12.50 per person.

Meets CA Next Generation Science Standards – 2ESS1.C; 2ESS2.A; 2ESS2.C; 4ESS1.C; 4ESS2.A; 4ESS3.A; 4ESS3.B; 7ESS3.A;

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