This is a permanent exhibition that shows those Victorian insects whose survival depends on the community, and the clearly defined role of each individual. It includes European honey bees, native bees, wasps, giant cockroaches, plague locusts, termites, and three species of ants, which are some of the most highly social species that live in organized societies, in the animal kingdom. Their fascinating, complex behaviour has much to teach us. Visitors will enjoy observing and learning about these insects in the Social Insects vivariums.

What are they?
[Insert link to a series of photographs of includes European honey bees, native bees, wasps, giant cockroaches, plague locusts termites, and three species of ants.] They are insects that group together in communities with a clearly defined role for each individual insect

How do they live together?
[Insert l link to a series of photographs of includes European honey bees, native bees, wasps, giant cockroaches, plague locusts termites, and three species of ants Co-operation and communication are two key aspects of social insects' lives. "United we stand, divided we fall," as the saying goes - but what is the secret of insects' amazing ability to work and live together? Social insects rely on highly sophisticated communication tools and share the work of reproduction and building, supplying, maintaining and defending the nest. Every member has a role to play!

Life inside the nest.
This is a link to a series of photographs of includes European honey bees, native bees, wasps, giant cockroaches, plague locusts termites, and three species of ants.  Social insects are experts at working together to solve problems. Interactions between individuals add up to co-ordinated behaviour by the colony as a whole, to find the shortest route to a food source or to build a nest! And how is life organized in the nest? From birth to death, learn about insect castes and roles and how their bodies are adapted to their jobs.

Nest Builders.
This is a link to a series of photographs of includes European honey bees, native bees, wasps, giant cockroaches, plague locusts termites, and three species of ants.   Ant hill, termitarium, bee hive … spectacular structures created by unusual architects. Social insects manage to construct remarkably complex nests without any advance planning.  How do they manage to produce such ingenious creations? What treasures are hidden away in these nests? How do they inspire humans?
They are so tiny. They look so frail. And yet they build such spectacular structures. How do ants, bees and termites manage to create these architectural wonders? Teamwork! Social insects have very complex lifestyles. They live in communities and co-operate with other members. Colonies of social insects are full of "busy bodies" worth knowing about!
The Insectarium offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of social insects:
- How do these tiny creatures work together to create such great achievements?
- What is life like for them inside the nest?
- What binds the different members of the colony together?
The "Social Insects" exhibition answers these questions and many others, in ways sure to interest and intrigue all visitors. You'll learn about the world of honeybees, ants, termites, social wasps and bumble bees.
Live exhibits: Come see eight living, thriving colonies:
-  a termite (scientific name) colony
-  a European honey bee hive (scientific name)
-  a Soldier Ant (scientific name) colony
a Bull ant (scientific name) colony
a [name ] (scientific name) colony
- a vivarium full of Victorian plague locusts (scientific name);
- a giant cockroach (scientific name) colony
- a  native bee (scientific name) colony.
Interactive games:
Learn about social insects and test your knowledge as you take an interactive tour that requires you to use all your senses!
Fascinating images:
Take a very close-up look at insect societies, through larger than life photos and film clips!
Intriguing objects:
Admire some artifacts reflecting our human view of social insects, and some impressive structures made by termites, wasps and bees.
Visitors of all ages will have fun uncovering the mysteries of these "secret" societies and admiring their clever approaches to co-operation and communication.