As An Insect-Enthusiast...
Most people from Urban China are disgusted and terrified of insects. But not Zhang Heyi, a primary school student, who realizes insects are one of the most important things in maintaining the health of our ecosystem. The nine-year-old boy in southern China is on a quest to transform bugs from scary crawlies into intriguing and vital organisms.
"Now, many people are scared of worms, but real worms are not scary," he said.
Zhang is using social media to propagate the message that insects of all kinds aren't exactly a problem in our lives. In a popular video now making noise on the internet, Zhang was seen laying his head on a table while watching a praying mantis as it crawls across his brow and grinning throughout. He is then seen capturing a few cockroaches that had escaped their holding enclosure.
In an SCMP article, Zhang claims to have a pastime but prefers bugs. The little child received a "Walking Encyclopaedia" award at school for his mastery of insects, and he enjoys interacting with his classmates by chatting about bugs.
"If my classmates find bugs at school, they come to me, and I try to share my findings with them," he mentioned in an article from SCMP.
Zhang, who is well-versed in bugs, frequently acts as a teacher when his fellow students ask him questions. A teacher would frequently question him, "How does a cockroach hunt?" and he would reply, "With its front legs." A fellow student would also ask him, "How large is the biggest stag beetle?" and he would reply, "Probably closer to 9cm."
Also Read: This Chinese Stick Bug Is World's Newest Longest Insect
Earning Fans Online
When it comes to social media popularity, Zhang is no late bloomer. On Douyin, the child already has 10 million admirers under the pseudonym The insect work of Qiqi, which refers to his nickname. His most recent piece, which was published in August, has garnered 236,000 views and 72,000 comments.
In his videos, Zhang stated that he learned about insects through literature and nocturnal explorations. He generally goes out with other kids his age and some adults carrying torches. They generally pause to examine the insects, which include dragonflies, mantises, cockroaches, ants, and moths.
Zhang also expressed a desire to attend an agricultural university when he grows up, probably learning more about insects and surpassing his mastery at the very moment. Zhang uploads inspired many online users.
A commenter feels the child demonstrates that curiosity is the finest teacher in life and that internet views did not easily mislead him that insects are nothing more than a bother in life. However, most of his internet supporters desire more kids to lay down their cell phones and spend time outdoors instead.
Related Article: College Student Goes On 30-Day Insect Diet: What Is It Like So Far?
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Thea Felicity
