William F. Barr Entomological Museum
The University of Idaho’s entomological collection was initiated in 1947 by Professor William F. Barr (1920-2011), a leading expert on Buprestidae and Cleridae, and grew over the years from a mere 10,000 to over one million mounted insect specimens. Groups best represented are Coleoptera (especially Cleridae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, Scolytinae and Carabidae), Lepidoptera, rangeland grasshoppers and aquatic insects. School groups are regularly hosted for visits and special events, as part of the important Extension vocation of the museum.
William F. Barr Entomological Museum Tour
Did you know that the William F. Barr Entomological Museum has over 1 million mounted specimens? The museum also has live insects, including walking sticks, cockroaches, jumping spiders and an adorable rose hair tarantula named Calvin Jr. (Warning for those with arachnophobia… Calvin is in this video!)
History & Tour
A slideshow of the museum's history, interviews of students that contribute their work and research, and colleague that knew Barr.
Haunted Insect Museum
The William F. Barr Entomological Museum hosted a Halloween event for children in October 2019.
For additional information, requests for loans or to schedule museum visits, please contact:
