Welcome to the Division of Arthropods
The Museum of Southwestern Biology's Division of Arthropods supports taxonomic and ecological research on arthropods of the Southwest and elsewhere in the world. The Division of Arthropods maintains collections of specimens that are dry pinned, mounted on microscope slides, stored in alcohol, and frozen tissues of arthropods for DNA and other molecular samples. Please see the Collections page for more information.
 | See the Division of Arthropods' latest news. |
 | The Arthropod Specimen Database is part of an online national arthropod collections database called Symbiota Collection of Arthropods Network (SCAN). See Using the Collection for tips on searching the database. |
 | This is a collection of photographs and information representing some common and interesting New Mexico arthropods. |
 | Visit our Services page to learn about information and assistance the Division of Arthropods can provide |
 | Learn about visiting the museum. Research visits and educational tours to the Division of Arthropods can be arranged by contacting the collection managers. |
 | Help support the Division of Arthropods |
Our Mission is to
- Serve as a center of excellence to support state and regional study of arthropods.
- Advance the taxonomy of arthropods and their inventory in the state and region.
- Provide scientific understanding of the role of arthropods in community ecology and ecosystem function, evolutionary biology, and Earth’s biodiversity
- Support the conservation and management of rare or endangered arthropods.
- Provide training and support for graduate and undergraduate students interested in arthropod study.
- Provide outreach to the K-12 student community and general public of New Mexico to enrich their appreciation of arthropods and increase their general knowledge of them.
- Support biodiversity informatics research to develop tools and resources to better make arthropod and other museum data available to the scientific, management and general public.
The New Mexico State Insect:
Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis grossa)
The New Mexico State Butterfly:
Sandia Hairstreak (Callophrys mcfarlandi)
