Entomological collections
The entomological collections are composed of dry insects collected in Lithuania and other countries over the last 50 years, as well as their preparations and insects in alcohol fluids.
Collection holdings include representatives of ca. 38,000 specimens of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera), 40,000 beetles (Coleoptera), 18,000 two-winged insects (Diptera), 2,000 dragonflies (Odonata) and other insect orders, as well as over 50 type specimens. Of unique significance is the Nature Research Centre’s collection of two-winged insects including crane flies (Tipulidae, Limonidae), fungus gnats (Mycetophylidae), horse and deer flies (Tabanidae), hoverflies (Syrphidae), tachinide flies (Tachinidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) and other dipterans. The collection is continuously supplemented with specimens and preparations of species new to Lithuanian fauna and new to science.
The first interactive diagnostic tools for biosystematists and the public
In view of the changing needs of today’s society, scientists of the Laboratory of Entomology implement original projects. They are moving traditional biosystematics research into cyberspace to make it more accessible and inclusive for diverse user groups.
“Leafmining Nepticulidae of the world: updated generic composition and a tool for species diagnostics”
Two original species identification systems for Nepticulidae were developed. They are rather simple to use, do not require special registration and are free of charge. “Leafmining Nepticulidae of the world: updated generic composition and a tool for species diagnostics” is one of them, which is an innovative electronic diagnostic tool based on morphological structures and nutritional plant features and mainly oriented towards the international user (identification system in English).
Open access address: https://www.nepticulidaespecies.info/
“Leaf-mining Nepticulidae of the world: updated generic composition and a tool for species diagnostics”
The electronic species identification tool “Leaf-mining Nepticulidae of the world: updated generic composition and a tool for species diagnostics” was specially designed and launched in parallel with our other diagnostic tool – https://leafmines.info/. The identification system “Diagnostics of mines of the Lithuanian Nepticulidae” is designed to identify Nepticulidae species based on the detected blotches in the assimilative tissues of plants and is developed to promote investigations of Nepticulidae in Lithuania.
Open access address: https://leafmines.info/
