Spiky, Hairy, Shiny: Insects of L.A.

Meet your tiny neighbors!

Close up of Green Wasp

General Info

Now–May 21, 2023
Free with Museum Admission
Free for Members

Every day, thousands of vibrantly colored insects whiz by under our noses. Some are furry and some are prickly, but most of the time their spectacular features are barely visible to the human eye. For almost 10 years, people all over Los Angeles have helped staff from the Natural History Museum gather samples of these insects as part of the Museum's BioSCAN project, resulting in a collection that will help track changes to L.A.'s climate. Along the way, we've captured images of startling beauty and rich textures. Come visit Spiky, Hairy, Shiny and take a peek at this hidden world.

Exhibition content is provided in English and Spanish. Contenido para la exposición está disponible en inglés y español.

Front view of blue bee on pin with three jewel-like circles (ocelli) on the top of its head between its eyes

Mason bee, genus Osmia. Photo: Lisa Gonzalez, 2019.
© BioSCAN/Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

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Mason bee, genus Osmia. Photo: Lisa Gonzalez, 2019.
© BioSCAN/Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

along the way, you'll:

  • See large-format photographs of local insects displayed next to life-size specimens
  • Listen to the sounds of L.A.'s insects across the span of a day
  • Learn more about the BioSCAN project