WORCESTERSHIRE families can spread their wings during the half term break by visiting Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm and hear one of the loudest creatures in the world.

The rare giant long-legged katydid from Malaysia, one of the largest insects in the world, is a new resident at the popular farm and described as one of the loudest creatures on earth and can be heard 200 metres away.

The name katydid is derived from the noise made by the American species which sounds like ‘Katy-did, Katy-didn’t’. The sound producing organs are located on the back of the angles of their front wings.

In addition visitors can see some of the world’s largest spiders living alongside beetles, stick insects and reptiles in the farm’s Mini-beast Metropolis, while the amazing leafcutter ants can be seen on overhead ropes and collecting leaves to bring back to their colony. The ants use the leaves as fertilizer to grow fungus to feed the colony.

The Queen, on the other hand, spends her entire life underground laying thousands of eggs and without her the colony would not survive. The colony at Stratford is now one of the largest on display in the UK.

In the wildflower garden visitors can see the refurbished wildlife hotels overlooking the pond which provide homes for bees, insects and hedgehogs. The pond itself attracts frogs and mallard ducks.

A stunning nature inspired wall mural, which is a reflection of the gardens at the butterfly farm has been installed recently. The mural was illustrated by designer Madeline Smith who also designed the new look for the farm and visitor guides.

It is hoped the farm’s wildflower gardens will be in full bloom by the end of June to the beginning of July and will contain over 10 different species including cornflower, sunflower, poppy, oxeye daisy, lupin, marigold, coreopsis, cosmos, foxglove, penstemon, flax and yarrow to attract bees and butterflies.

From Saturday May 27 until Sunday June 4, children and adults can get close to some amazing creatures with ‘Meet the Mini-beast’ handling sessions under the supervision of the Education Team in the Discovery Zone. Twice a day visitors will be able to hold Madagascan hissing cockroaches, stick insects, hermit crabs, giant land snails and African millipedes.

Jane Kendrick, marketing manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm, said: “Whatever the weather you can walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in a rainforest environment with waterfalls and fish-filled pools.

“Recently we released seven zebra finches into the flight area. These sociable and inquisitive little birds seem to bring a smile to every face.”

There are hundreds of butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders to be seen at the farm, which is open every day from 10am to 6pm.