Marine Invertebrates Collections
The Marine Invertebrates collection is currently represented by 23 phyla and holds more than one million specimen lots including 1,700 holotypes, 11,300 secondary types, 33,000 registered lots and 1,400 microscope slide preparations. The collection also houses about 3,500 colour slides of living marine invertebrates. In most cases the animal was collected and preserved after being photographed in its natural habitat.
Epizoanthus karenae Philipp & Fautin, 2009. Photo: T. Laperousaz.
Our collection of Australian molluscs is one of the most important in the country. We also have a large collection of freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates including terrestrial and freshwater crustaceans, terrestrial and freshwater molluscs, leeches, earthworms and sponges etc. Historical and recent collection strengths include specimens from southern Australia, the arid zone, Tasmania, New Zealand and Antarctica. The specimens are preserved in either alcohol (75%)/ formalin (10%) or dried.
Anoglypta launcestonensis D. Image B Hamilton-Bruce
Work within Marine Invertebrates is greatly assisted by the efforts of volunteers. One such person is Ingrid van Streepen, who along with other volunteers has proven to be an invaluable resource for the Marine Invertebrate section over the past 4 years. Much of Ingrid’s work relates to data basing the collection of molluscs. A second and extremely useful volunteer is Don Reid who has been doing all the hard yards with the chiton collection.
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