Cataloguing specimens of aquatic insects in the Department of Entomology Collection
PI(s): Voshell, Jr, J Reese
Investigators: Hiner, Stephen W
Abstract: We have begun to catalogue all of the specimens of aquatic insects housed in the Department of Entomology Collection that have been identified to species. The data are being stored with software designed specifically for museum collections.
Description:
Biodiversity research involves determining the status of rare species and developing strategies for protecting those that are threatened. As a result of more 30 years of research by the Aquatic Entomology Program, there are many specimens of aquatic insects from Virginia, which provide valuable data on the species that occur in Virginia and their distributions. Much of the collection consists of aquatic insect species from streams in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia. These data are in danger of being lost as long as they only reside on the collection labels contained in the vials of alcohol with the specimens. The future of museum collections is always a question when budget problems arise. Catastrophes such as fire can immediately destroy a collection. Also, insect specimens and paper stored in alcohol are not expected to last forever. The U.S. Forest Service, Coldwater Fisheries Research Unit at Virginia Tech has recognized the significance of this situation. Dr. Andy Dolloff, leader of the Coldwater Fisheries Research Unit at Virginia Tech, purchased and set up a building to house the collection on Forest Service property just outside of Blacksburg. In addition, he has provided a part-time technician to catalogue the specimens in a computer database. We are using commercial software (Biota) developed for museum collections, which includes functions to produce specified output according to various taxonomic levels and geographic locations.
Impact:
The results of this effort will be useful to other state and federal agencies whose mission involves biodiversity protection (e.g., Virginia Natural Heritage Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The database may lead to new funding opportunities for the Aquatic Entomology Program.
Commodities:
Resources: Aquatic Entomology Laboratory
Disciplines: Aquatic Systems, Systematics
Audiences: Government Agencies, Researchers
