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One of the three large collection halls within the ANIC. The numerous green cabinets all hold drawers of pinned insects.
One of the three collection halls within ANIC.

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.

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 Entomology 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 Entomology in Canberra.
  • evolutionary biology
  • taxonomy
  • natural resource management
  • understanding ecosystems and biodiversity
  • quarantine decisions
  • bio-geographic studies.

Sharing insect knowledge

Managing the amount of information contained in ANIC has led to the in-house development of tools such as BioLink™ to assist with the management of specimen and character-based information.

Sharing the information contained in the ANIC is a key goal and the development of a large database of the ANIC's specimens is well underway and can be accessed through the ANIC Specimen Database.

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.

  • BioLink™ is a trademark registered in Australia to CSIRO.
 

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Fast facts

  • The Australian National Insect Collection over 12 million specimens
  • It is the world's leading collection of Australian insects
  • The Collection grows by 100 000 a year
  • Access is available to other researchers

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Dr Beth Mantle
ANIC Collection Manager
Entomology
Phone: 61 2 6246 4281 
Fax: 61 2 6246 4264 

Location

Australian National Insect Collection - ACT
Clunies Ross Street
Black Mountain
ACTON ACT 2601
Australia
GPO Box 1700
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia