Entomology

An entomological collection is a zoological collection dedicated to insects. Currently, the term entomological collection also includes samples of other groups of terrestrial arthropods that are not considered insects in the strict sense, such as collembolans, proturans, and diplurans. This large group of arthropods is known as hexapods. Some collections can house hundreds of thousands of specimens, a consequence of the enormous diversity of hexapods on our planet.

Entomological collections are of great importance for discovering biodiversity and for species conservation. They allow studying and comparing the morphology (and even genetics) of species from around the world, discovering many unknown species that may no longer exist in their natural habitats, and proposing various classification theories.

The entomological collections preserved in the MUCBO | Science Museum are modest in their extent, but have sufficient local importance. On one hand, a small historical entomological collection is preserved, elaborated by the naturalist and geologist from Sóller, Guillem Colom, during his youth. On the other hand, the museum possesses a collection dedicated exclusively to weevil beetles of the Palearctic region (Europe, large part of Asia and North Africa) that was donated by the Majorcan entomologist Josep Maria Palau i Camps. These are one of the most diverse beetle families in the world. Finally, the Museum also preserves a collection of insects from different orders, mainly from the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, which was ceded by Eudard Petitpierre, a recognized entomologist and geneticist from the University of the Balearic Islands.Traditionally, specimens from entomological collections are preserved dry, pinned on fine needles well attached to cardstock, although the most minuscule can also be preserved in microscopic preparations. These samples are left well ordered, classified, and inventoried in hermetic boxes to prevent the entry of pests.