Tropical insects in collection at the University of Liège Museum of Zoology: a first approach

The University of Liège Museum of Zoology holds some large and not well-known insect
collections, which are still very well preserved, due to the work of famous entomologists and
curators such as Fritz Carpentier and Noël Magis. Insects from tropical areas are very well
presented in these collections and were collected all around the world. The expedition of
Edouard van Beneden in Brazil (in company of two entomologists) provided numerous
specimens, mainly Coleoptera. More than 8,500 insects were sent from Paraguay by the
Estacion Entomologica ‘FABRE’ and are still preserved in the original mailing boxes. Due to
investment of the University in cooperation projects with some African countries, numerous
insects (mainly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera) were collected there between 1900 and 1990.
The main source of exotic insect specimens is the “Léon Candèze’s collection of Lepidoptera
from around the world”, which comprimes more than 9,500 specimens. A first inventory,
which digitized all genera and families present in this collection, showed it contains at least
five systematic types. However, the aforesaid collections need an in depth study from
researchers interested in the genera and species they concern. Even though not every insect
specimen is recorded in the handwritten registers or the collection database, the well-
organised depositories allow finding them easy, and any request of study would be welcome.