Insectes tropicaux en collection au Musée de zoologie de l'université de Liège : une première approche

Abstract

peer reviewedThe University of Liège Museum of Zoology holds some large and not well-known insect collections, which are still very well preserved, due to the work of famous entomologists and curators such as Fritz Carpentier and Noël Magis. Insects from tropical areas are very well presented in these collections and were collected all around the world. The expedition of Edouard van Beneden in Brazil (in company of two entomologists) provided numerous specimens, mainly Coleoptera. More than 8,500 insects were sent from Paraguay by the Estacion Entomologica ‘FABRE’ and are still preserved in the original mailing boxes. Due to investment of the University in cooperation projects with some African countries, numerous insects (mainly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera) were collected there between 1900 and 1990. The main source of exotic insect specimens is the “Léon Candèze’s collection of Lepidoptera from around the world”, which comprimes more than 9,500 specimens. A first inventory, which digitized all genera and families present in this collection, showed it contains at least five systematic types. However, the aforesaid collections need an in depth study from researchers interested in the genera and species they concern. Even though not every insect specimen is recorded in the handwritten registers or the collection database, the well- organised depositories allow finding them easy, and any request of study would be welcome