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Invertebrates Collection

• Research Staff
• Holdings
• Loan Requests    
• Students/Volunteers

Research Staff

Dr. Jack W. Feminella, Curator.  331 Funchess Hall 
                                        Voice:(334)844-3906  Email: feminjw@auburn.edu

Dr. Brian S. Helms, Collections Manager.  331 Funchess Hall 
                                        Voice:(334)844-7345  Email: helmsbs@auburn.edu

Dr. Michael M. Gangloff, Research Affiliate.  Appalachian State University
                                        Voice:(334)844-7345   Email: ganglmm@auburn.edu
                                       

Emily Hartfield, Graduate Research Assistant.  331 Funchess Hall 
                                        Voice:                            Email: hartfee@auburn.edu

Hilary Strickland, Research Assistant.  331 Funchess Hall
                                        Voice:                            Email: strichg@auburn.edu

Pleurobema decisum
Big Canoe Creek St. Clair Co., AL

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Holdings

The state of Alabama historically supported North America's most diverse invertebrate fauna.  This diversity most notable among the freshwater and terrestrial Mollusca.  Approximately 200 of the 300 known species of North American freshwater mussels have been reported from Alabama.  Additionally, Alabama once supported nearly 250 species of aquatic snails.  Unfortunately, this spectacular biodiversity has been severely compromised by human activities.  Modification of large river systems has resulted in substantial habitat loss, and many aquatic species now have highly fragmented distributions. 

Begining in 1999 we began to accumulate material from Alabama's populations of mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates.  Presently, the Invertebrate Collection contains >7500 catalogued lots.  The Invertebrate Collection is presently located (along with the Fish, Mammal, and Paleo-herpetelogical collections) in the Physiology Building but will move to Cary Hall in 2006.  The collection is searchable on-line through a secure server using FileMaker (GO TO SEARCH).

The mission of the Auburn University Natural History Learning Center and Museum (AUNHLCM) is to serve as a research and teaching resource for scientists and students interested in the spectacular biodiversity of the southeastern United States.  The AUNHLCM greatfully accepts material from agencies, consulting firms, and private or amateur collectors.  We will gladly identify specimens provided some material is included for assimilation into the collection.  The AUNHLCM is a public resource and access to and deposition of material into all collections is provided free of charge.  For more information regarding data use and visiting the Invertebrate collections please contact the Invertebrate Collection Manager, Dr. Brian Helms (helmsbs@auburn.edu).

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Lampsilis ornata
Uphapee Creek, Macon Co., AL

Shoal Creek
Cleburne Co., Alabama

Loans

Loans of specimens are made to scientists and students associated with recognized institutions or to others with adequate credentials. For a loan of materials, please contact the Collection manager .

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Students/Volunteers

The research staff sponsor students in a wide variety of roles from graduate students, to undergraduate students seeking research experience, to volunteers to contribute to various aspects of collection maintenance.  Graduate students and undergraduates should consult the faculty home pages to determine which research program is right for you.

Volunteers are needed for collection maintenance.  We encourage all those interested in learning how to curate a significant museum collection to contact the Collection manager.  The experience gained in collections maintenance will help students prepare for jobs and graduate school.

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