Forschungsinfrastruktur

Natural History Museum Vienna

Wien | Website

Short Description

In 1992 the Hemiptera Collection was split off from a large collection of heterogeneous insect orders and staffed with its own curator. The scientific collection constitutes of large stocks of Heteroptera and Auchenorrhyncha and a relatively small collection of Sternorrhyncha (all together about 1 Mio. specimens). The major part of the collection are dry mounted insects, a small part is kept in alcohol. In addition there are several hundred specimens mounted on slides. The high value of the collection is given by a great number of type specimens, especially of the private collection of Signoret, that was obtained at the end of the 19th century, and related to the actual research activities on aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera.

Contact Person

Dr Herbert Zettel

Research Services

Visiting researchers have access to the collection and library, as well as suitable technical equipment. A stacking photography equipment of the department can also be used. If necessary, curators provide support on nature conservation and educational issues.

Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure

Main research activities are related with taxonomy, systematics, and zoogeography. The research of the curator is focused on aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha), especially from Southeast Asia.

Allocation to Core Facility

2. Zoologische Abteilung (Entomologie), Naturhistorisches Museum Wien