WSU researchers are on a quest to digitize over 30,000 bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Soundside

Washington State University's MT James Entomological Collection is the largest insect museum in the state, it holds around three million specimens.

In 2022, state legislators allocated $50,000 for the collection to digitize pollinators, like bees, moths, flies, butterflies and other insects that carry pollen.

Adding the 30,000 pollinators in WSU’s collection to a digital database will open up collaboration for researchers worldwide.

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Guests:

• Elizabeth Murray, Telford Family Professor of Entomology and the director of the MT James Entomological Collection at Washington State University

Relevant Links:

• Spokesman Review: WSU makes strides in digitalizing 3 million insect collection
• M.T. James Entomological Collection website

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