The Daintree Entomological Museum opened its doors in 2004, born from the lifelong passion of collector and entomologist Steve Lamond.

Steve’s fascination began at just seven years old, when he “borrowed” a book from his local library titled What Butterfly Is This? which he memorised cover to cover and still treasures today. That small act of curiosity sparked a lifetime of discovery.

Originally from Sydney, Steve’s passion for insects drew him north to the Daintree Rainforest as a teenager. Without his parents knowing (they thought he was holidaying with friends in Byron Bay) he boarded a bus bound for the far north to explore what he called an “untouched haven for insects.” That early adventure marked the beginning of his deep connection to the Daintree and the natural world.

Gifted with a photographic memory, Steve absorbed everything he could about the world of insects long before the internet existed, learning from books, observation, and conversations with fellow explorers and locals. Over the years, he has travelled to more than 60 countries, from the remote jungles of the Amazon to the islands of the South Pacific, often living among local tribes to study their environments and the incredible insect life within them.

His discoveries include species never before documented, such as a Longhorn Beetle from the Solomon Islands — later named in his honour, Batocera lamondi — and a stunning Jewel Beetle native to Far North Queensland, which he named after his wife, Calodema michelei.

Though insect collecting and trading has proven to be a successful career, Steve has always seen it as something deeper than a job, his life passion. His dedication to exploration, preservation, and education continues to inspire visitors who walk through the museum today. The colourful life he had led also makes him an incredible story teller, with stories from almost every corner of the globe.

The museum building itself was constructed by Steve and local craftspeople, using timber milled by Steve’s own hands. True to the spirit of the Daintree, the museum and property operate entirely off the grid, powered by the sun and sustained by rain and creek water. It’s a place designed to work in harmony with the rainforest.

For Steve, the Daintree Entomological Museum is more than a collection — it’s the story of a lifetime spent chasing curiosity, connection, and the endless beauty of the insect world. It’s a place where his passion lives on, inspiring others to see nature through new eyes.