Bengaluru's Bug Haven: 300,000 Insects & Live Cultures

Bengaluru's National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) campus is home to a remarkable National Insect Museum, showcasing a vast collection of over 300,000 insect specimens. This extensive repository supports critical research and houses type specimens for newly discovered species, preserved meticulously for future identification and study.

The museum also cultivates live insect cultures, comprising 137 different species. These include beneficial insects like parasitoid wasps, which are deployed as natural enemies to control agricultural pests such as invasive mealybugs and coconut pests, thereby reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Beyond research, the museum's main gallery educates visitors on insect evolution, diversity, and economic importance, featuring exhibits on lac and insect nests. It highlights the ongoing efforts in biological pest control, demonstrating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.