When 7,000 living insects worth over $50,000 are stolen from the Philadelphia Insectarium, the detectives assigned to the case get busy. They quickly realize they’re going to need some help penetrating this shadowy network of bug dealers and collectors. As they assemble a preliminary list of suspects, a new twist about the museum leaves them heading the investigation in a new direction.

While the detectives interview suspects to learn more about the museum and its odd history, federal agencies are brought on the scene to share case files from other bug busts. The hunt goes international as the investigators begin to peel back the layers of this global trade. An Insectarium insider with deep ties to the illicit bug trade emerges as a prime suspect.

A clearer picture of the Insectarium starts to develop as the detectives begin to hone in on a prime suspect. A startling allegation is made about some of the tarantulas that were stolen from the museum. As a result, the investigators turn their focus on Mexico and the illicit tarantula trade there. Did one of the bug-dealing Insectarium employees get in over his head?

A shocking revelation emerges about the bug heist. The investigators find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew about this case. Alliances at the Insectarium fracture as deep dark secrets begin to surface. New colonies are formed, pointing to a dizzying future for this museum and all its worker bees.