University of Georgia Museum of Natural History
Collection of Arthropods

Background 

Georgia is the largest state in the southeastern U.S. with 58,910 square miles spanning five major physiographic provinces (Appalachian Plateau, Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge, Piedmont and Coastal Plain) and two climatological zones (subtropical and temperate). These large-scale biological and physical patterns support a tremendous amount of arthropod diversity. By encompassing the southern limit of two provinces (Blue Ridge and Piedmont), the Georgian arthropod fauna has significance for biogeographical studies of North America.

Many smaller, unique areas also contribute to the biological richness of the state. For example, large granite outcroppings such as Stone Mountain (750', 600 acres) provide unusual conditions which support endemic plant species. The Okefenokee Swamp offers 600 square miles of wetlands, scrub, prairie, and forests of moss-draped cypress, black gum and holly trees. Mountains in the north (e.g., Brasstown Bald, elev. 4,784') provide isolated patches, "islands," of boreal forest which are likely to harbor endemic arthropods. The barrier islands of Georgia include some of the most pristine habitats of their kind, with over two-thirds of the islands designated as parks, refuges or preserves. 

The University of Georgia Collection of Arthropods began in 1936 with the construction of several wooden Minnesota-style specimen cases. In 1965, much of the historically significant P.W. Fattig Insect Collection was transferred to the UGCA, forming the core of a research collection. Kenneth Knight served briefly as the first curator from 1966 to 1968. At the end of his curatorship, the Collection occupied eleven wooden cases.  In 1968, Thomas Atyeo became Curator.  During the next thirty years, the Collection grew to approximately 650,000 insect specimens.  Cecil L. Smith began working in the collection 1973 and later served as the Collections Manager and Associate Curator. In 1985, the UGCA was moved from the Biological Sciences Building to a new facility, the University of Georgia Museum of Natural History.  Joseph McHugh became the third curator of the Collection in 1996 and continues to serve in that role currently.

If you have questions or comments regarding this site, please contact Joe McHugh at mchugh.jv@gmail.com