Beetle Mania is Back at the Butterfly Biosphere! 

Full of interactive activities, mind-blowing facts, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with the rarest beetles in the world, Beetle Mania is all about the incredible lives of beetles! Our entomologists source beetles from the wildest of places – like the rainforests in South America, the coastal forests of Tasmania, or the mountains of Asia. The chances of seeing these bugs in their native environment are slim to none – and during Beetle Mania, you might even get the chance to pet some of these rare creatures! Whether you’re a beetle buff or just beetle-curious, this exhibit brings you face-to-face with some of the most unique creatures on the planet. 

Every day at Critter Corner, you can cheer on your favorite beetle or beetle larva as they race down a track to reach their favorite snack. These daily events bring science and suspense together in the most adorable way possible and is a great way to discover the strengths and speeds of different species. 

This crowd-favorite event fills up fast – get tickets now!

Where else can you pet a beetle? At Beetle Mania, you’ll meet rare beetles from across the globe, including gentle giants like the Hercules Beetle and striking beauties like the Golden Stag Beetle. Learn what makes these incredible insects so special—and why they’re so important to our ecosystems. 

 Fun fact:
Stag Beetles use their massive jaws to impress rivals—but they’re totally harmless to humans.
Golden Stag Beetles sparkle like gold and are only found in select forests across Australia, Tasmania, and Southeast Asia.
Hercules Beetles are among the largest insects in the world—some grow up to 7 inches long!
Desert Stink Beetles lift their back ends and release a harmless but smelly chemical when threatened. 

Little explorers will love this museum-wide quest! Go on a mission to find pieces of a coloring sheet hidden around the Biosphere. Once kids complete and color their beetle puzzle, they can turn it in for a fun prize at the front desk. 

This hands-on activity encourages curiosity, observation skills, and a love for bugs—and it’s included with admission.