Coimbatore : The insect museum, the first of its kind in the country, was inaugurated at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here by Chief Minister Edapadi Palanisamy.

The museum was established at a cost of Rs 5 crore on 6,691 sqft and displayed insects as preserved specimens, live ones with different developmental stages, images, videos and models on their unique behaviour, habits and habitats.

The uniqueness of this museum begins in the lobby depicting theme of the museum, `Bugs are Kings’ and a carved insect tree, with exhibiting area comprising seven radial walls (bays) on the right side and undivided wall on the left side.

A section on social insect exhibiting termite mounds (whole and sectioned) and bee hives is there on the rear side of the museum and the facility will enthuse and motivate general public, students, research scholars, agricultural officials and farmers.

A souvenir shop and a mini auditorium to screen insect movies and documentaries are available. A ramp is provided to facilitate the visit of physically challenged persons. The museum also has an electronic ticketing facility.