Thousands Of Bugs Were Just Stolen From A Philadelphia Museum In The Oddest Of Heists

During the week of August 20th, 7,000 bugs, insects, lizards, and venomous spiders were stolen from the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion. The value of all the stolen critters in the museum’s collection is said to be roughly $40,000 dollars and accounted 80 to 90% of the Insectarium’s collection. Several insects have been recovered and returned over the last couple of weeks. Police reportedly visited the homes of at least four current or former employees, where several of the missing insects were found.

Just over a week after the heist took place, the Insectarium made the announcement on their Facebook that their Mexican Fireleg Tarantula had been returned to them by the Police. With thousands of reptiles, insects, and venomous spiders still missing, it was reported this week that the FBI has now gotten involved with the case. In light of the devastating hit to the Philadelphia Insectarium, a Gofundme page has been set up to help replace their stolen collection and make sure this place can keep going.