Monsanto Insectarium, Insect research facility at St. Louis Zoo, Missouri, United States
The Monsanto Insectarium is an insect research facility at St. Louis Zoo in Missouri with roughly 9,000 square feet (836 square meters) of space. It houses educational exhibits, working research areas, and a geodesic flight dome filled with rainforest flowers and living butterflies.
The facility opened to the public in 2000 as part of the St. Louis Zoo. It was established to serve both research and public education about insects.
Visitors can interact with entomologists through a dedicated window and communication system, creating a direct connection to scientific work. This direct access makes research tangible and helps people understand why insects matter.
The facility is open daily with free admission and opening hours starting at 9:00 AM. Budget enough time to walk through the exhibits and spend time observing the living butterflies up close.
The facility maintains an active breeding program for species like Paper Kite, Cloudless Sulphur, and Malachite butterflies. These bred specimens help support wild populations and allow visitors to see rare forms up close.
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