Discover the amazing diversity and beauty of invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone, and they make up 95% of all animal species on Earth!
Welcome to the Kirby Tropical House, where you can explore four different zones, each with its own theme and attractions.
Zone 1
Introduction to invertebrates
Here you can learn about the main groups of invertebrates, such as arthropods, molluscs, annelids, echinoderms, and cnidarians.
See examples of each family and learn about their:
Characteristics. What are the main features of each family?
Adaptations. What makes them the perfect fit for their habitat?
Roles in nature. How do they interact with other life forms?
Night life
In this zone, you can observe the nocturnal activities of some of our invertebrates. Learn how these animals use their senses, communication, and camouflage to survive and thrive after dark.
Some invertebrates produce light by bioluminescence, which is a bug scientist’s way of saying they even glow in the dark!
Multi-legged minibeasts
Meet eight-legged arachnids such as scorpions and vinegaroons. You’ll get to see these small animals up close and learn about their anatomy and behaviour.
Scorpions
Glow under UV light and some species can survive a year without eating!
Amblypygids
Can grow to be massive creatures. Some have leg spans that stretch to 25 – 27 inches!
Vinegaroons
Have been around for over 350 million years. Before they mate, they wrestle and dance in a courtship that can last up to 13 hours!
Butterfly museum
A showcase of pinned butterflies from all corners of the globe, featuring the stunning colours, patterns, and shapes of these winged wonders of the insect world.
Learn about their:
Life cycle: From egg to caterpillar, cocoon to winged adult.
Migratory patterns: Painted Lady butterflies migrate 4000km from Europe to Africa.
Habitats: Butterflies and moths are found on every continent apart from Antarctica.
Our pinned butterflies come from tropical managed farms so that the wild populations are not depleted.
Our other tropical houses
Kirby
tropical house
Includes our ‘Introduction to Invertebrates’ and ‘Night Zone’ exhibits.
Do you have a curiosity for the small and the strange? Then you will love The Bug Parc, where you can get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating minibeasts on Earth.
We visited the bug parc today, what a brilliant place!! We spent time in the bug handling area and Ben was really knowledgeable and so good with the youngest member of our party ( 3 years old). I would thoro...
What a place! Amazing experience for all ages. Staff so friendly and full of knowledge. Would highly recommend with the handling experience too. Thankyou!
.this place really exceeded my expectations. I did not imagine spending the whole day there, but we did and had to drag the kids home! Super Modern interactive brilliant place, with a ton to look at and le...
Excellent place for families, the quizzes and the outside games kept the kids busy between each insect house, and the invertebrates are really well presented and card for, the UV light buttons make a big dif...
Exceeded our expectations. Great small hands on experience for small children. Our 3 year old grandson loved it. Safe and well maintained play area. Recommend booking in advance the Bug handling experience,...
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