New Zealand Arthropod Collection facts for kids

The New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) is a huge collection of land-dwelling invertebrates, like insects and spiders. It's kept by a group called Maanaki Whenua – Landcare Research in Auckland, New Zealand. This special collection helps scientists study and identify all the amazing bugs, both those native to New Zealand and those that have arrived from other places. It's considered one of New Zealand's most important national collections.

What is the NZAC?

The New Zealand Arthropod Collection is like a giant library for insects and other small creatures. It holds over 7 million specimens! These specimens are carefully preserved and stored. Scientists use them to learn about different species. The collection started way back in the 1920s.

Why is the NZAC Important?

The NZAC is super important for several reasons:

• Identifying Species: It helps scientists figure out what kind of bug something is. This is called taxonomy.
• Protecting New Zealand: By identifying new or unwanted bugs, the NZAC helps protect New Zealand's plants and animals.
• Research: Scientists use the collection to study how different species live and interact.
• Public Information: The NZAC also shares information with the public. They have insect factsheets and a website called "What is this bug?". They even have cool illustrations by an artist named Des Helmore.

What Kinds of Creatures are in the Collection?

The collection focuses on land-dwelling invertebrates. This means creatures without backbones that live on land. It includes:

• Insects (like beetles, butterflies, and flies)
• Spiders
• Mites
• And many other tiny animals!

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  Mitophyllus parrianus is a type of stag beetle.

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  Microvelia macgregori is a small water strider.

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  Platisus zelandicus is a type of weevil.

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  Lasiorhynchus barbicornis is also known as the giraffe weevil.