Australian National Insect Collection (CSIRO)
The Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) is the world's largest collection of Australian insects and related groups such as mites, spiders, worms and centipedes.
ANIC is an important research collection used by university students and staff, scientists from Australian and international research organisations, and CSIRO itself
There are over 12 million specimens housed in the Collection which is maintained by CSIRO Entomology in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
The ANIC was started in 1928 and each year the collection grows by more than 100 000 specimens.
The ANIC comprises specimens collected by CSIRO staff as well as donations bequests from individuals and other institutions.
The ANIC is a 'physical database' with each specimen being a unique source of biological information.