Smithsonian to Photograph 200,000 Insects With Custom Conveyor System

In an ambitious effort to preserve and study insect pollinators, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History is launching a groundbreaking project to digitize 200,000 specimens in just one year. This extraordinary task, which involves some of the world’s largest insect pollinator collections, is being made possible with the help of a custom-built conveyor system. Once completed, the project will offer unprecedented access to these vital species, contributing to ongoing conservation and research efforts worldwide. [Read More]

Jun 19, 2025 - 16:04
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Smithsonian to Photograph 200,000 Insects With Custom Conveyor System

Rows of open drawers display organized collections of colorful butterflies and insects in a museum or scientific archive, with black storage cabinets lining both sides of the aisle.

In an ambitious effort to preserve and study insect pollinators, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History is launching a groundbreaking project to digitize 200,000 specimens in just one year. This extraordinary task, which involves some of the world’s largest insect pollinator collections, is being made possible with the help of a custom-built conveyor system. Once completed, the project will offer unprecedented access to these vital species, contributing to ongoing conservation and research efforts worldwide.

[Read More]