Where in the museum is the shod flea located? - briefly
The shod flea is exhibited in the entomology wing, inside the Curiosities cabinet adjacent to the insect collection. It is positioned at the far end of the display case, labeled as a rare specimen.
Where in the museum is the shod flea located? - in detail
The shod flea is displayed in the Natural History wing of the museum, specifically in Gallery 3, entitled “Microscopic Marvels.” The exhibit resides in the central glass case labeled #12, positioned on the north side of the gallery, directly opposite the spider silk display. Visitors approaching the entrance of Gallery 3 will see a directional plaque that points toward the case; the plaque reads “Exhibit 12 – The Shoed Flea.”
The case is illuminated by a focused LED light that highlights the flea’s tiny metal footwear. A concise label beside the case provides the scientific name (Pulex irritans) and a brief description of the 19th‑century shoe‑making technique used to create the miniature shoes. Adjacent to the shod flea, the following items are presented:
- A set of antique magnifying lenses used by early entomologists.
- A collection of preserved insects with historically significant adaptations.
- An interactive touchscreen that allows users to zoom in on the flea’s shoes and view a 3D model.
For accessibility, the museum’s floor plan marks the location with a blue dot labeled “Shoed Flea.” The digital guide app includes GPS‑based navigation that directs users to the exact spot within seconds of activation. Security personnel monitor the case continuously, and the temperature and humidity are regulated at 22 °C and 45 % relative humidity to preserve the artifact.