Invertebrate Collection

The Macleay Museum holds one of the oldest and historically most significant insect collections in Australia. There are more than half a million specimens in the collection dating from 1756.

The collection was started by Alexander Macleay in the late 18th century. He gathered, purchased and traded specimens at such a rate that by the time he came to Australia as Colonial Secretary for NSW in 1826 the collection was the largest privately owned insect collection in the world. The collection was added to by Alexander's son, William Sharp Macleay, and increased further by William Sharp's cousin, William John Macleay. Many of the specimens are still stored in their original Chippendale cabinets.

Over 9000 type specimens (specimens described for the first time) have been recognised in the Macleay insect collections.

Beetles

More than half of the collection is made up of beetles from all parts of the world. This was where the Macleay's main interest lay. Many of the species are from type localities and make up a large proportion of the insects transferred on loan to the National Insect Collection in Canberra.

Wasps, Bees and Ants

The wasps are also significant. Collectors represented in the collection include Dodd, R. Forsius, Froggatt, Girault, Klug, Latreille, Leach and Westwood.

Moths and Butterflies

The vast moth and butterfly collection contains specimens from all over the world. Interesting localities include Siberia, Outer Mongolia, Tibet, North China and the upper reaches of the Amazon River.

Other Notable Insects

Specimens of a Lord Howe Island stick insect Dryococelus australis, extinct on the main island but recently discovered on Balls Pyramid, are in the Macleay Museum. The holotype of the whistle cricket, Eugaster spinulosa is also in the collection. The whistle insect, Eugaster spinulosa, is the Macleay Museum's oldest known insect. Its label reads, "A curious insect from Barbary, the only one known of its kind in England. Geo Edwards, 1756." Herdsmen would dry the cricket, pull off the legs, and use the body as a whistle to call their cattle.

The collection of Sir Ashton Lever (bought by Alexander Macleay about 1815) contained insects presented to him by Capt. James Cook. In January 1984 three lice from an albatross taken during Cook's second voyage were found. A flea, collected by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle is also held in the Museum.