From the detailed studies of the Australian National Insect Collection through to our complex work on insect ecology, we've got Australian insects under the microscope.
Insect identification resources online Insect identification resources online
The Australian National Insect Collection provides web-based information and tools for the identification of insects and related organisms.
Beetles ANIC research
Coleoptera is the group classification given to insects collectively known as beetles and are one of the largest orders of living organisms on the planet. Our research examines their economic and environmental importance.
New dung beetles to bury dung and reduce bush flies Managing invasive species and diseases
In 2014 our researchers released French and Spanish spring-active Onthophagus vacca and Bubus bubalus dung beetles in Australia’s latest effort to improve dung burial. Burying dung improves pasture productivity, sequesters carbon and controls buffalo and bush flies.
Flies ANIC research
Our research into flies or Diptera is helping scientists better understand the evolution and ecology of this group of insects.
Mites ANIC research
Research on mites or Acarina is increasing our knowledge of their diversity, biology and behaviour. Mites are not insects, but arachnids, a group that also includes spiders, scorpions and harvestmen, and a few other groups of small invertebrates.
Moths and Butterflies ANIC research
Lepidoptera, otherwise known as moths or butterflies, is one of the most diverse insect orders and probably one of the best-loved insect groups.
Spiders ANIC research
Our research on spiders or Aranaea is increasing our knowledge of their diversity, distribution and complexity.
Roundworms ANIC research
Roundworms or nematodes are the most abundant and ubiquitous multicellular organisms on earth. Between 100,000 and 1,000,000 are believed to exist. Only a small percentage of Australia's species are currently known, with 1000 having been named.
Swarm sensing: tiny technology creates a buzz Biosecurity risk and preparedness
Thousands of honey bees have been fitted with tiny sensors as part of a world-first research program to monitor the insects’ movements. The team are working with Brazil’s Vale Institute of Technology to take the technology to the Amazon.
Thrips ANIC research
Our research on Thrips or Thysanoptera, aims to better understand their biological diversity and economic importance in Australia and its relationship to the fauna in other parts of the world.
About the Australian National Insect collection Australian National Insect Collection
The Australian National Insect Collection is used by the Australian and international researchers, industry, government and university students. It is growing by more than 100,000 specimens each year.
