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Model
of a sow bug. The sow bug is found in both forest and old
field ecosystems. Classified with the millipede, centipede
and daddy long legs, the sow bug is classified as an arthropod
due to its flexible joints and tough resistant skin covering.
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The
nearly 40,000 specimens in the section of Zoology and Botany of
the State Museum of Pennsylvania represent an expanding collection
of animal and plant species, nearly all of which are found in the
Commonwealth. A growing collection over time and across the geography
of Pennsylvania provides an actively used bank of unique and valuable
information that serves the research, exhibit, and education needs
of the Commonwealth and provides comparative material for private
and public interests elsewhere in the United States and in other
countries.
Collections
Acquisition
Collections
acquisition in the section of Zoology and Botany is typified by
a steady stream of specimens through projects and opportunistic
collecting and punctuated by donations of often large and amazingly
valuable collections that represent an interesting snapshot in time
and from areas of interest. For example, The State Museum is acquiring
a small mammal collection of great significance from Juniata College
in central PA. Some of the specimens are from the western U.S. and
provide comparative material for Pennsylvania. Other specimens of
this collection were collected in Pennsylvania during a 40-year
span of time. We also accept a steady flow of small mammals collected
under contract work with such agencies as the Nature Conservancy
and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Lastly, we are accepting a
steady flow of bees and social wasps from an independent bee biodiversity
project and community structure of social wasps project.
Collection-based
Research
Two
collection-based research projects that are in progress were mentioned
above. The first project, the bee biodiversity of Pennsylvania is
accomplished through the examination of museum holdings of bees
and from field collections at sites across Pennsylvania. Likewise,
the second project, community structure of social wasps, is conducted
through the examination museum collections and from field captures.
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Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. ®2005 SMPA Terms of Use/Copyright
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