Extinct and Endangered Claimed

Explore endangered insects’ impact on our planet through stunning high-resolution photographs.

From bees to butterflies, insects help keep natural ecosystems healthy. But the evidence is clear: many insect species are in decline.

Extinct and Endangered invites audiences to explore these tiny animals’ outsized impact on our planet through the uniquely powerful macrophotography of Levon Biss.

Drawn from the Museum’s world-class research collection, each image on display in Extinct and Endangered was created from over 10,000 separate images taken using microscope lenses. The photographs are printed in large-scale formats, with 40 incredible but imperiled species of insects being presented at up to 8 feet tall.