Entomology

Why This Work Matters 

The provincial entomology collection helps scientists and students understand where insects and spiders live, how their habitats change, and which species might be at risk. The specimens are used to make maps of where different species are found and to learn about their lifecycles and environments. 

Helping Science and Conservation 

Insects and spiders help pollinate plants, break down waste, and feed birds and animals. By studying them, scientists can discover new species, understand climate change, and learn how to protect endangered species. 

Our team of experts carefully sorts, labels, and cares for every specimen in the collection. We share them with scientists around the world and use them in research about everything from evolution and ecosystems to climate change. 

The collection includes rare and common species, and shows how insect life in BC has changed over time. Researchers, students, and nature groups use it to answer all kinds of questions about life in BC. 

Growing the Collection 

One of our biggest projects, Islands of Biodiversity, looks at insect life along BC’s coast, including remote shorelines and islands. Islands of Biodiversity helps us learn which species are most at risk and how to protect them. 

So far, this project has: 

• Added more than 5,000 new specimens to the collection 
• Taught us more about threatened species 
• Created public shows, school talks, and scientific publications so people in the province can learn more about this ongoing work 

Learning and Outreach 

Kids aged 8–12 can meet insects up-close through the museum. Drop in on live streams to meet members of the insect world or check out our bug and spider kits that can be borrowed for hands-on learning.