Abstract: An insect observation and feeding device which is particularly suitable for ants has a central core member contained within a protective outer enclosure. The central core member extends within the enclosure between a base portion and an entrance portion and includes one or more predetermined surfaces which may define a plurality of distinct levels. Some of the levels may be used for the support of food while other levels may include members for enhancing insect observation, such as structures that require the insects to move across different terrain, including ladder-like devices, maze patterns and the like.

Abstract: A feeder with a food protection grid for butterflies and moths is described. The feeder includes a solid core on which food may be placed. A protective screen or mesh overlays and protects the core and the food secured thereon from consumption by various insects and small animals. The feeding grid has a plurality of openings therethrough which are of an appropriate size to permit a butterfly or moth to reach the food source with its proboscis. The feeder may be hung from an overhead support and a crawling insect guard can be included to prevent small crawling insects such as ants and the like from reaching the protective grid and the food source when the feeder is hung from a tree or the like.

Abstract: An improved collapsible protective enclosure for feeding butterflies and the like includes a cylindrical sidewall having circumferential ribs and therebetween a mesh material having members sufficiently spaced from each other to allow the ingress and egress of butterflies and the like while excluding larger animals. The sidewall further includes a peripheral flange at each end of the protective enclosure to provide opened or closed ends. A feeding platform and ant guard assembly can also be included, and the protective enclosure may hang in either a vertical or a horizontal orientation.