Arthropod research collection
Welcome to the Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection (ARC) website. The Collection was started by Professor Albert J. Cook in 1867 and later named in his honor. The ARC now houses close to 1.5 million specimens mounted on pins, slides or stored in alcohol, which are used for research, education, extension services and outreach. The collection is located in the Natural Science building at Michigan State University and is managed by the Department of Entomology. Currently 18 faculty, staff and students help oversee its operations.
Access the collection database
Visit Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network (SCAN) to access the collection database. Instructions for searching the database:
- Deselect all.
- Scroll to Midwest & Plains collections and check The Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection (MSU-MSUC).
- Push the Search button in the upper right. This brings you to the search page for the Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection.
- Enter family, genus or species and if needed any of the criteria listed below.
News
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Entomology graduate student award results in more butterfly and moth data for global scientists
Published on May 8, 2020
Supported with a Scriber Scholar Award, Erica Fischer has significantly expanded the butterfly and moth database available at MSU for international use. -
MSU entomologists lead effort to improve identification of Southeast Asian ambrosia beetles
Published on November 18, 2019
A team of scientists have developed a new online tool that will make it easier to identify these potentially destructive and invasive species. -
Skewered caterpillars are examples of 19th century collection methods
Published on April 22, 2019
Curators of MSU Entomology’s arthropod research collection have located fragile specimens preserved by the collection’s founder at the turn of the 19th century.
