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Insect Agency
Recommended for all ages
About
Insects are everywhere, in a mind-blowing diversity of shapes, colours and species.
Insect Agency, an exhibition developed by Queensland Museum, explores the surprising variety of ways insects do good - for the planet and humanity.
From maintaining healthy ecosystems, pollinating our crops, to providing inspiration for new technologies, they are six-legged superheroes.
- Discover more than 1,000 insect specimens, from the tiniest wasps to brightly coloured butterflies, dracula ants, dung beetles and stick insects
- Experience nearly all 349 species of Queensland butterflies on display – which make up more than 75% of Australia’s 450 or so butterfly species
- Learn about the Dracula Ant, whose jaws can snap shut at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour!
- Discover the internal structure of a Giant Bull Ant nest cast in aluminium especially for the exhibition – highlighting that ants (and termites) are our underground ecosystem engineers
- Test your skills with Metamorphosis Match and learn all about insect life cycles!
- Get interactive with our digital Bug Builder and Insect Sorter games.
- Feature your flutter with our exclusive in-exhibition photo opportunity and quadroscope!
Get up-close and personal with insects at Queensland Museum Tropics.
This exhibition is supported by the Entomological Society of Queensland.
Insects have occupied Earth for hundreds of millions of years, diversifying, proliferating, and evolving some remarkable adaptations. With their incredible anatomy and super abilities, insects are environmental powerhouses vital for keeping ecosystems healthy.
The Insect Agency exhibition provides a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of insects, offering your students experiences that are educational, entertaining and inspiring.
Visiting schools will be able to see more than 1,700 insect specimens on display, design their own virtual insect through digital interactive exhibits and view a large world map dedicated to beetles from around the globe.
This exhibition supports the development of knowledge, elicits scientific inquiry and understanding of science as a human endeavour.
Resources
Curriculum Links
Please find below the relevant curriculum links associated with the exhibition, to complement your school visit experience and classroom learning.
This exhibition supports Science strands years P-10.
| Curriculum links V8.4 | Curriculum links V9 |
| Prep (ACSSU002) Year 1 (ACSSU017, ACSSU211) Year 2 (ACSSU030) Year 3 (ACSSU044) Year 4 (ACSSU072, ACSSU073) Year 5 (ACSSU043) Year 6 (ACSSU094) Year 7 (ACSSU111, ACSSU112) Year 8 (ACSSU149, ACSSU150) Year 9 (ACSSU175) Year 10 (ACSSU184, ACSSU185, ACSSU229) |
Prep (AC9SFU01) |
Bookings
Bookings are essential for all school and children’s group visits. We recommend you book as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred visit date and time.
A discounted ticket price of $10 per student is available for the following Self-Led group bookings:
- School Group (prep – Year 12) – 10+ students
- Children’s Group (children aged 3 – 15 years) – 10+ children
School’s experiencing socio-educational disadvantage (ICSEA below 1000) can book discounted exhibition tickets.
A facilitated offering is available too. Please reach out to learning.mtq@qm.qld.gov.au.
Free visit for teachers
We invite teachers, early years educators and group supervisors to preview the museum prior to your visit to plan and prepare for your group’s learning experiences. As this exhibition is ticketed, entry fees apply for family members and accompanying guests. Email learning.mtq@qm.qld.gov.au to arrange your free visit.
Insect Agency Season Passes
Strictly limited to 500 season passes, get yours before they sell out!
Inclusions:
- Unlimited entry to Insect Agency
- Access to Christmas Bauble making activity – December 16 – 20
- Access to Insect Zoo school holiday program in January 2025
Season Pass holders do not need to book specific entry times – simply visit the museum with your Season Pass ready to show at the exhibition entry.
Please note, during peak periods, there may be a short queue before entry.
Season Passes do not include entry to special events. Tickets for these events must be purchased separately.
Prices
| Season Pass Adult | $25 |
| Season Pass Concession | $19 |
| Season Pass Child | $19 |
| Season Pass Family of 4 | $72 |
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What's on
View our calendar of exhibitions, events, activities and school programs.
Insect Agency Curator Tours
Explore the new Insect Agency exhibition in our exclusive Curator Tours, and be expertly led by Dr. Chris Burwell, Queensland Museum's Senior Scientist and Curator of Entomology.
Christmas Baubles Activity
Craft a decorative Christmas bauble inspired by the diversity of shapes, colours and patterns of the insect world this December.
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