Entomology curators are aware that one of the most effective ways to improve the comparative base of collections and their potential as a research resource is through exchanges of specimens. Consequently, Entomology welcomes exchanges of identified and properly documented material that will help improve the comparative base of our collection.

We also will consider accepting properly documented but unprepared material that is within our research and collection growth goals. We will prepare, label and sort the material to lowest possible taxon in exchange for a proportion of the material sufficient to repay our investment in preparation and identification of those collections. The details of such arrangements must be made individually between institutions and are likely to vary depending on the circumstances. However, we would expect that such an exchange would be to the substantial benefit to both institutions and/or collections that were involved.

In addition, Entomology frequently collects using mass collecting techniques, especially flight intercept traps. These produce a great many insects that are outside the research and collection growth goals of our collection. We make these sample residues available as a gift to interested researchers and collections, particularly in exchange for taxa of current research interest. If you believe that we may have such material that would be of value to your research, please contact us.