We also keep pinned specimens collected during our routine pest trap
inspections.  We have at least one of each taxa that we pick up.  This is
primarily for IPM purposes and is used mostly by the Collections Department
staff.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, Curator
Virginia Museum of Natural History
1001 Douglas Avenue
Martinsville, VA  24112
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----------
> From: Jane MacKnight <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Insect Identification Samples
> Date: Tuesday, March 03, 1998 10:38 AM
>
> Ken:
>
> I've had a similar idea.  I am more interested in developing a
> collection of the insects commonly found in our museum that staff
> members, volunteers etc can use in the event that they spot an insect
> and I'm not around.  I haven't devoted much time to the project but I
> have developed a good collection of the odd beetle -- larval, male and
> female adults plus a few other dermestids.
>
> I think it's important to collect other commonly found insects -- even
> tho' they may not damage the collections.  Staff, volunteers etc can't
> tell the difference between the benign and detrimental insect.  I'm also
> collecting some common insects that we find in the museum  -- e.g. rove
> beetles and other predatory insects.
>
> I'm not sure a generic insect collection would be as useful.  For us, a
> collection that includes cockroaches won't do us much good -- our
> climate is too dry and they are rarely found in our region of Idaho.
>
> You might try contacting your local university, maybe you can find an
> entomology student willing to develop an "Alaska" collection.
>
> Sincerely,
> Jane
> --
> Jane C. MacKnight
> Registrar and Collections Manager
> Idaho Museum of Natural History
> http://www.isu.edu/departments/museum
> http://www.westmuse.org