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Entomology

Entomology

The collection holds large but unknown numbers of endangered, threatened and extinct species. For virtually all arthropods, not enough research has been completed to even begin listing endangered or threatened species. So this is a critical resource for understanding the previous working of and future problems associated with the disruption of natural processes. One example is the Hawaiian beetle collections of which possibly 75% can be considered for listing as endangered or threatened.

To request a collection visit, please fill out our online Natural Sciences Collection Access and Use Request Form

To request a loan from the entomology collection, please fill out our online Entomology Collection Specimen Loan Request Form

Jeremy Frank, Entomology Collections Manager
808.848.4196
jeremy.frank@bishopmuseum.org

Neal Evenhuis, PhD, Senior Entomologist
808.848.4138
neale@bishopmuseum.org

Keith Arakaki, Collections Technician
karakaki@bishopmuseum.org

To request a back of house collection tour please fill out our online Natural Sciences Collection Tour Request Form

Read our latest stories.

Bishop Museum’s Entomology Collections have a long and distinguished record. Its collections serve as the principal US-based entomological resource for documentation of biological diversity and ecosystem studies in the Pacific and Asian regions and are a major national and international systematic resource. The uniqueness and breadth of the collections and their central Pacific location fosters wide international recognition and use, including use as a type and voucher repository.
In February 1984, the Trustees of Bishop Museum designated the collections and associated research activities within the Department of Entomology as the J. Linsley Gressitt Center for Research in Entomology (Gressitt Center) in recognition of the late chairman and his contributions to the development of the collections and their essential programs. The principal emphasis for the Entomology Collections are Pacific oceanic islands; West Pacific rim areas (continental margins and offshore islands); and Antarctica and subantarctic islands and the southern part of South America (for their relationships to the transantarctic arc and their influence on Southwest Pacific faunas).
 
The collections are estimated to comprise more than 14,700,000 specimens. They document many of the great explorations of the past, from the early explorers through expeditions such as the Galathea Expedition, the Mangareva Expedition, and the Pacific Entomological Survey (Polynesia). They also include critically important biological surveys such as Fauna Hawaiiensis, Insects of Micronesia, Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia arthropods of medical importance, the Terrestrial Arthropod Survey of Fiji, and numerous recent arthropod surveys of French Polynesia.
 
The collection is used by anyone who studies Hawaiian and Pacific insects. An average of 75 researchers from numerous countries spend over 200 days studying in the collection annually. These visiting researchers and many other scientists borrow an estimated total of over 15,000 specimens and generate over 100 transactions yearly. The results of these transactions are disseminated in an average of 40 publications annually, and include the descriptions of many new species to science.

Be a Part of Our Story

Celebrate the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with a gift to Bishop Museum. As a partner in the Museum’s work, you can help to sustain vital collections, research, and knowledge, and inspire exploration and discovery with a tax-deductible donation.

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OPEN DAILY 9 AM – 5 PM

1525 BERNICE STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAI’I 96817

OPEN DAILY 9 AM – 5 PM

1525 BERNICE STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAI’I 96817

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