1. a place for rearing and keeping living insects —note a single-species population of insects of known origin in a laboratory insectary is often referred to as a laboratory culture, in contrast to a natural population or wild population —synonym insectarium 2. pest management species that promote the welfare of parasites and predators of herbivorous pests by providing nectar, shelter, or alternative hosts —note if plants, the individuals are referred to as insectary plants This definition last updated 10/28/2008