Collection

The AFBRC has been assembled with a single, undivided focus on Australian Cetoniinae. This has allowed systematic coverage of taxa that are uncommon, range-restricted, or rarely encountered in general collecting, including the atypical non-flower-visiting lineages that are easily overlooked in broader surveys.

The collection holds more than 30,000 specimens, including pinned adults, material preserved in ethanol, larvae, and soft tissue for molecular work. Holdings include, for example, approximately 3,000 Microvalgus specimens. Specimens are recorded in the AFBRC database and stored under climate-controlled conditions.

Type material is a particular strength of the collection. Paratypes and voucher material for more than 40 putative new species are represented, spanning a range of genera and regions.

As a research collection, destructive sampling for molecular or morphological work is permitted where scientifically justified. Researchers requiring tissue samples are encouraged to enquire.

The collection has grown through sustained field work and donations from collectors and institutions. Significant donations have included, for example, the entire Cetoniinae holdings of the Australian Insect Farm, which substantially expanded coverage of several groups. The collection is intended for eventual donation to a recognised Australian institution.

The AFBRC is listed on the Register of Australian Institutions Authorised to Exchange Australian Native and CITES Specimens (DCCEEW). Specimen loans and exchanges are available to researchers and institutions for legitimate scientific purposes. Enquiries can be made using the contact form.