About the Bug House

Welcome to the Bug House where we showcase insects, some of earth's most numerous creatures. There are more kinds of beetles in Michigan than there are varieties of birds on earth. Insects range in size from moths as large as bats to tiny wasps smaller than grains of sand. Their life spans can last a week to over twenty years. They live nearly everywhere, in pools of petroleum and in the brine of the Great Salt Lake. They survive the heat of Death Valley and the cold of the Antarctic coast. They are the stars of the Bug House.
During 1996, the Department of Entomology focused on the creation of a facility specifically designed for kindergarten through 6th grade to introduce children to the fascinating world of insects. Since that time, we have grown and expanded to include programs for all age groups. Get ready to explore the amazing world of insects. The Bug House is crawling with an incredible collection of creepy critters. The program will examine insects by structure and function, value, behavior and diversity through up-close observation, both live and pinned insect displays, hands-on activities and discussion.
	Did you know that a cricket's ears are on its knees? That a fly has tastebuds on its feet? Or, that an ant can lift 50 times its own body weight, the equivalent of a human lifting two small cars? Let the Department of Entomology's Bug House surprise and educate your group about the wonders of the insect world.
The Bug House staff is comprised of graduate students, staff, and faculty from the Department of Entomology. Let our guides share their knowledge and enthusiasm for our numerous and ancient companions. You will leave with a new appreciation for the beauty of insects and the way in which they are vital to the function of our world.

Bug House tours are for school groups, organizations, and the public and begin by contacting Barb at (517) 355-4662 to reserve a time slot. There is a nominal fee for this program. Tours are available Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. The Bug House is open to the general public on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 beginning September 15th through November 15th and January 15th through May 15th. Additional hours are scheduled throughout the year. There is no charge for the Monday open house, however donations are always appreciated. The MSU Bug House is located in rooms 146-147 of the Natural Science building which is located on the northwest corner of Farm Lane and Circle Drive. Metered parking is located at the east end of the Natural Science Building. You may also park in the new Grand River Avenue Parking Ramp. The ramp is located on Grand River Avenue at Charles Street and sits next to MSU's Morrill Hall. It has more than 150 metered spaces on the basement floor and first level for campus visitors. The ramp is accessible on-campus via East Circle Drive and off-campus from Grand River Avenue. Come and see why we truly live in the age of insects!