Invertebrates

The Naturéum's invertebrate collections contain over 1.4 million specimens (nearly 4 million individual items), mainly insects and molluscs. They have been built up through contributions from researchers and collaborators at the museum, as well as donations and purchases from private collections.

The insect collections include specimens from Switzerland, Europe and around the world, representing almost all orders. Some groups are particularly well represented because they are linked to the museum's current and past research topics: aquatic insects, hymenoptera (social insects such as ants and bees), diptera (e.g. flies and mosquitoes).

Conservation

These specimens are stored in modern, climate-controlled repositories to ensure their long-term preservation. They are a vital tool for research and a valuable heritage that bears witness to local and global biodiversity. Researchers, students and specialists from around the world regularly consult the collections and contribute to their development by depositing new specimens.