Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium

Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium Inspiring an appreciation and understanding of insects and their arthropod relatives.
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We welcomed incoming University of Montana students to the Butterfly House as part of the Big Sky Experience, UM’s weekl...
08/31/2026

We welcomed incoming University of Montana students to the Butterfly House as part of the Big Sky Experience, UM’s weeklong orientation program designed to help first-year students find their place not only on campus but also in the Missoula community.

Students got a behind-the-scenes look at our internship program, helped with our Lil Bugs camp, and experienced firsthand how education, animal care, science, and community engagement play a part in our work here. Thank you University of Montana and !

And there are more ways for UM students and staff to get involved this fall! UM students and staff with a valid Griz Card receive 50% off admission through the end of September, and we currently have a fall internship opportunity open for students interested in getting more involved. Check out our website for more opportunities to be a part of our mission!

08/29/2026

Nothing beats the calm of the Butterfly House.

Fall means Bugs & Brews is back 🍻🐛One of our favorite things about this program is getting to bring curious people toget...
08/29/2026

Fall means Bugs & Brews is back 🍻🐛

One of our favorite things about this program is getting to bring curious people together with experts who have something really cool to share. This September, Marirose Kuhlman is kicking off our fall season, and we can’t wait to see where the conversation takes us.

Bugs & Brews tends to sell out, so grab your ticket and come learn something new with us!

Native bees, butterflies, and other insects are essential to healthy ecosystems, yet many are facing significant declines worldwide. Learn about some of our native pollinators, why these declines are happening, why residential landscapes matter, and how choosing native plants and rethinking the way we manage our yards can help restore habitat and create more resilient ecosystems.

Marirose Kuhlman is the Habitat Coordinator for the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension, where she works on native plant and pollinator conservation initiatives, community education, and habitat restoration projects. She holds a B.A. in Biology/Botanical Sciences and an M.S. In Entomology and has spent her career surveying and studying native plants and native bees and teaching others about them. Marirose coordinates Missoula County's Bee City USA program and leads the ReWild Your Yard initiative, helping residents create more resilient landscapes for pollinators, wildlife, and people.

Date: Thursday, September 24th
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, speaker at 7:15 PM.

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As we say goodbye to August and welcome September, the first hints of fall are beginning to make their way across Montan...
08/28/2026

As we say goodbye to August and welcome September, the first hints of fall are beginning to make their way across Montana. The days are getting a little shorter, mornings a little cooler, and the landscape is beginning its seasonal shift—but there’s still plenty of life buzzing around us! 🐝

This week’s observations highlight the incredible variety of insects still active across Montana. From camouflaged butterflies and fascinating beetles to spiders and moths, there’s no shortage of incredible creatures to discover. Even as the seasons begin to change, Montana’s insects are still putting on a show, so keep your eyes open for the small wonders hiding all around you.

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to share your observations with us! We love seeing what you’re discovering and learning more about Montana’s incredible insect life through your observations. If you find something interesting, we’d love to see it. Add your observation to our iNaturalist project or send your photos to [email protected].

To our students, we hope you’re all having a great first week of school and settling into the new season. Enjoy this week’s discoveries, and we’ll see you next week!

Back by popular demand! MBHI’s very own Museum Interpreter and Naturalist, Madeline Kleeman, will lead this exciting int...
08/27/2026

Back by popular demand! MBHI’s very own Museum Interpreter and Naturalist, Madeline Kleeman, will lead this exciting introductory workshop into the world of insect pinning! Learn how to prepare insects for pinning, pin 2-3 specimens from our collection, and leave with instructions on some of the different ways to mount your specimens when they are dry.

Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Pricing: $100/Non-Member and $80/Member

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Think you know your arthropods? 🕷️🐞We're giving you just 5 hints to identify today's mystery arthropod. Drop your guess ...
08/27/2026

Think you know your arthropods? 🕷️🐞

We're giving you just 5 hints to identify today's mystery arthropod. Drop your guess in the comments and see if you can beat everyone else to the correct answer. Bonus bragging rights if you get it in 3 hints or less.

Ready? Let's see who our arthropod experts are. 👀

08/26/2026

Have you ever seen a walking bramble bush?

The Malaysian jungle nymph is one of the world’s heaviest stick insects and uses their spikes to fend off predators.

5 things in the Bugzoola Gift Shop that are actually worth the money 👀🐛Okay, technically we’re biased. But hear us out.O...
08/24/2026

5 things in the Bugzoola Gift Shop that are actually worth the money 👀🐛

Okay, technically we’re biased. But hear us out.

Our gift shop is full of things that make learning feel like play, encourage curiosity about the natural world, and keep your Butterfly House experience going long after your visit! From memberships and educational toys to puzzles, stuffies, books, games, and plenty of just-for-fun finds, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Plus, every purchase supports the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium. 🦋

Address

Missoula, MT

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(406) 317-1211

Website

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