Physical Resources

Research Collections

The entomological research collections at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are housed in the Department of Entomology, Russell Laboratories, 1630 Linden Drive. The collection is divided between two buildings: Russell Laboratories and the UW Stock Pavilion (aka the WIRC Annex or WIRC West). In Russell Laboratories, the collection footprint is 830 sq. ft. of floor space in the north wing of the third floor.

Imaging system consisting of a dissecting microscope and digital camera. — Auto-montage camera system using for creating focus stacked images.

The WIRC was dedicated by the department as a collection facility in 1963 when the building opened. This space houses the office of the Curator, an imaging room, and working space for students. There are microscopes and space for several visiting researchers. Major holdings include Paraneoptera, Neuropterida, Hymenopterida, and Panorpida (minus Trichoptera and Lepidoptera).

The office and laboratory of the Director of the WIRC can be found in the 445 Russell Labs suite. An Auto-Montage digital imaging system and Honorary Fellow Research space is housed two small rooms in 149 Russell Labs.

Main collection space of the WIRC in the Stock Pavilion. — Main collection space in the Stock Pavilion, aka the WIRC Annex.

In 2010 the WIRC expanded into an additional 1,841 sq. ft. of space in the newly remodeled and renovated third floor of the UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Drive. Archeognatha through Polyneoptera, Trichoptera and Lepidoptera, and the Hilsenhoff aquatic insect collection were transferred from the primary facility in Russell Labs to this additional space after it was reassigned to the WIRC. Space is located in the lower level of the Stock Pavilion for off-season or long-term storage.

Teaching Collections

Insect cabinets in the corner of a classroom in Russell Laboratories. — Part of the teaching collection, in the Introduction to Entomology laboratory, 153 Russell Labs.

The entomological teaching collections are dedicated to the support of the instructional programs and courses in the Department of Entomology, with some additional support for departmental outreach programs. The teaching collections are housed in the teaching laboratories (Russell Labs 147 and 153), stored in approximately 15 24-drawer cabinets.