Insects 101: An Introduction to the World of Insects

Have you ever wondered how a butterfly transforms from a caterpillar, how a bee can navigate miles back to its hive, or how a tiny ant can carry many times its own weight? Insects are the most diverse and successful group of animals on Earth, yet most people know surprisingly little about how they live and function.

Insects 101 is a six-session course designed for curious adults who want to better understand the incredible biology of insects. No previous scientific background is required. Through engaging lectures, live animal demonstrations, museum specimens, and hands-on activities, you'll explore how insects are built, how their bodies work, how they sense the world, communicate, grow, reproduce, and interact with the ecosystems around them. Join our resident Insect Physiologist, Dr. Scott Debnam, and learn more about the amazing world of arthropods!

Throughout the course, you'll meet many of the Butterfly House & Insectarium's live ambassadors—including beetles, cockroaches, walking sticks, butterflies, bees, and other fascinating arthropods—while learning the science behind their remarkable adaptations. By the end of the series, you'll be able to recognize the major groups of insects, understand the biology that makes them so successful, and gain a new appreciation for these often-overlooked animals.

Whether you're a gardener, naturalist, photographer, educator, beekeeper, or simply someone who has always been fascinated by the tiny creatures around us, Insects 101 offers an engaging and accessible introduction to the amazing world of insects.

Dates: Six weekly sessions, Tuesdays - October 13th to November 17th
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Audience: Adults (ages 16 recommended)
Location: Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium - Byron Weber Classroom
Cost: $225/Non-Member and $200/Member (Special discount with code for active volunteers!)
Prerequisites: None—just curiosity!

Registration in advance required, maximum spots available 24.

Register Now