About The Collection

The Oregon State Arthropod Collection is a research collection of nearly 3 million preserved insect specimens. Begun in the 1870's as a reference tool for early entomology classes at OSU, the collection is now amongst the larger of university owned insect collections in the country and the largest insect collection in the Pacific Northwest. The collection's user-base has likewise grown, and today we serve the research needs of scientists not only here at OSU but from many parts of the United States and elsewhere around the globe.

      Scientists, students and the interested public visit the collection for a number of reasons. A common use is to compare unknown specimens in their possession to those in the collection that have been identified by experts. Throughout our history, a great many experts have viewed and identified our material. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), Hemiptera (true-bugs) and various Aquatic insects (eg., caddisflies, stoneflies and mayflies) are particularly well-represented. Entomologists continue to view our specimens, checking and revising the identifications. In fact, many of our curatorial responsibilities involve sending and receiving specimens to and from these specialists.

     
The Oregon State Arthropod Collection does not maintain public exhibits, but short tours can be arranged by contacting the curatorial staff. Likewise, members of the public who wish to use the collection for research purposes, such as identifying material in their own insect collections, should contact the collection at (541) 737-4349 or by e-mail. Because our staff is relatively small and space is limited, we ask that visitors contact us prior to their arrival so that we can ensure adequate research space and resources are available during your visit.