Insects are often regarded as awful beasties. But that is only by people who have never seen these amazing 'works of organic micro engineering' in close detail. Insects can be observed as a whole with a hand lens or in detail with the aid of a microscope. The Insectarium displays some of the many fascinating features of insects and several other arthropods.

Some insects parts, like wings, don't need special treatment and can be observed directly under the microscope. In other cases chemicals may be used to make the chitinous body wall soft and transparent.

Visit the new wing of the Insectarium: The Insect Portrait Gallery