The Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC)
The Australian National Insect Collection is the pre-eminent collection of Australian insects, maintained by CSIRO for researchers, industry and government agencies.
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22 July 2011 | Updated 3 April 2013
The Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) is the world's largest collection of Australian insects and related groups such as mites, spiders, earthworms, nematodes and centipedes.
ANIC is an important research collection used by CSIRO researchers, university staff and students, and scientists from Australian and international research organisations.
Millions of specimens
There are over 12 million specimens housed in the Collection which is maintained by CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
The ANIC was started in 1928 and each year the collection grows by more than 100 000 specimens.
The ANIC comprises specimens collected by CSIRO staff as well as donations and bequests from individuals and other institutions.
The ANIC is a 'physical database' with each specimen being a unique source of biological information.
The Collection is a valuable resource for researchers, industry and government in the areas of:
There are over 12 million specimens housed in the insect collection, maintained by CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Canberra.
Sharing insect knowledge
Managing and sharing the biodiversity information contained in ANIC is a key strategic goal for the collection. Each year, thousands of specimens are digitised and their data delivered through informatics portals such as the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
The Collection is maintained by CSIRO staff and by a team of hard-working volunteers. To find out more about the ANIC's people visit the staff list and the volunteer scheme.
Major funding sources
Significant funding for various ANIC activities has been provided by:
Find out more about the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC).
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