Purdue Entomological Research Collection (PERC)

The PERC contains over 1.3 million prepared specimens, representing approximately 140,000 insect species, and supports research, extension, teaching, and outreach in the Department of Entomology at Purdue University, midwestern United States, and globally.

With approximately two-thirds of our specimens from Indiana, the PERC is the largest entomological collection in the State and one of the most significant resources for biodiversity research on regional insects and related arthropods.

About one-third of PERC specimens are stored in U.S. National Museum-style unit trays and drawers, with an additional 13,000 dry specimens (dragonflies and damselflies) preserved in archival envelopes. Nearly two-thirds of PERC specimens (mayflies, other aquatic insects, and spiders) are fluid-preserved in nearly 72,000 vials. And over 30,000 very small arthropods (aphids, springtails, and mites) or dissections are slide-mounted.

Notable components of the PERC include 2,900 type specimens (name-bearing representatives of new species), the historic collection of Indiana naturalist W.S. Blatchley (beetles, true bugs, and grasshoppers and their relatives) and “one of the most comprehensive collections of mayflies [order Ephemeroptera]” in the world.