IMIS

The collections in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology comprise about 500.000 lots preserved in ethanol, dried or on microscope slides. The oldest specimens were collected during the 18th century. A considerable part of the collections were acquired towards the end of the 19th century and in the early 1900s, when several expeditions, e.g. the Vega expedition and the Swedish South Polar expedition brought material to the museum. At present, most new specimens are acquired as a result of on-going research projects at the department. The type collection (specimens that were used for the description of new species and introduction of new scientific names) comprises about 7.000 lots. Almost half of the collections in the Department of Invertebrate zoology are preserved in ethanol (70-80%) and kept in an underground storage. Animals with hard shells, tests or spicules etc., e.g. molluscs, corals and sponges, are also kept in the dry collection. Many invertebrates are microscopic. Therefore a part of the collection is mounted on microscope slides, either as whole mounts or as serial sections. The collections are being catalogued electronically since 1997 and since Aug 2004 the database is searchable via GBIF (Global Biodiversiy Information Facility).