Not Just Dead Bugs

Not many people know that the Oxford University Museum of Natural History doesn’t just consist of the specimens on display – it also houses the Hope Entomological Collection: the second largest entomological collection in the UK. The space contains thousands of incredible pinned specimens as well as some live ones too (Geraldine the stick insect on the right). Entomology is the study of insects, and so the department is responsible for the curation of thousands of invertebrate specimens collected over hundreds of years by biologists such as Darwin and Wallace. We have all sorts in the collection – from beetles and flies (Coleoptera and Diptera) to bees and ants (Hymenoptera).

The collection consists of over five million specimens, which keeps the staff, volunteers and interns well occupied.  Each person working in the department has their own role and

often their own speciality. Not only are the permanent staff experts, but the…