Yucky or Beautiful?

My son, the one with the millipede and the Alligator lizard, and I gave a presentation at an elementary school science fair the other night. We had an assortment of science and math activities - origami, home-made electronic devices, and nature photography - and our display board included the photo of Ryan with the millipede. Almost every visitor uttered, "Yuck" or "Isn't it poisonous?" The next day as we talked over the experience we agreed upon two things. One, virtually all the kids we encountered seemed hyperactive, and, two, they must spend little or no time in the woods. At what age does the division begin? That is, the division between those who think virtually every bug, amphibian and reptile is ugly and/or dangerous and those who feel affection and curiosity about these creatures. We agreed it must be pretty early and is taught. My own kids learned at a very early age that it is quite simple to tell a millipede from a centipede, that centipedes can sting and will if you handle them carelessly and that millipedes are not only harmless but it's fun to watch them crawl. In fact, it's fun to compare the wave pattern of a centipede's legs with a millipede's as they walk along. One exhibits a "standing" wave that the critter appears to flow through while the other produces a wave that moves forward slightly faster than the critter itself. Next time you encounter either of these, spend a little time watching rather than squishing. You'll find it fascinating.
As for alligator lizards, the kids learned from experience that they may bite when you attempt to catch them, but not seriously. Then they hand tame pretty readily, they feed readily in captivity, and are beautiful to watch. We usually keep them as guests for a while then return them to their original habitat. They will eat most any bug you provide as well as slugs, worms, and even tiny mice, although we haven't tried that. Some lay eggs and others are live-bearers. There are two species in this area, the northern and the southern alligator lizards. If you want to get more familiar with these magnificent lizards, be careful you don't grab the tail. It comes off easily and it takes a lot of energy and time to grow a new one. If you find one that hasn't yet lost a tail, its tail can be longer than its body, totaling over a foot.
If you're a parent, consider the consequences of raising a child that is aversive to most wild creatures versus one who develops a protective attitude toward the environment. Consider reading Richard Louv's great book, "Last Child in the Woods," and avoid passing on to your child what he calls 'nature deficit disorder.'