Other invertebrate collection

The collection of non-insect invertebrates is kept in the Sector of Invertebrates, whereas insect are kept in the Sector of Entomology. It counts more than 600,000 storage units. Since both the latter can contain not only single specimens but even entire planktonic and benthic samples, the real number of stored materials in the Sector exceeds 2,000,000 specimens. They represent 22 phyla and 55 classes of invertebrate animals.

The collection materials include either dry specimens or those preserved in alcohol or formalin, and micro-preparations. The main sources of new specimens are field studies by the research staff of both this Museum and relevant academic institutions and university departments in Russia. Many materials were received by exchange with leading foreign museums. Donors also made a significant contribution to the supplement of some exotic groups of invertebrates.

A relatively high structural complexity of the collection determines the system of its registration documentation, which is rather extensive and cumbersome to include separate Acquisition and Inventory Books and systematic catalogs for the major invertebrate (non-insect) taxa. Recently, compiling electronic databases on some parts of invertebrate collection has begun.

Collection curators

If you plan to visit the sector, you should call in advance the staff in charge of respective taxa.

Curator of mollusks: +7 (495) 629-48-42.

Curator of ticks: +7 (495) 629-59-82.

Curator of arachnids (Mikhailov)

Curator of millipedes (Shileyko)

Curator of echinoderms and nudibranchs (Martynov)