The Rothamsted Insect Survey Sample Archive
The Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS) collects samples of flying invertebrates with a network of 12.2 metre tall suction-traps, an activity funded by the BBSRC. Since 1974 samples have been systematically labelled and stored in 95% ethanol with 5% glycerol for future scientific use.
We estimate that the archive contains at least 250 million individual invertebrates
Open Access - Sharing our collections with the world
The RIS encourages the use of the sample archive for learning and scientific discovery, and is open to academic visitors and citizen scientists alike. Visitors are welcome but we request that an appointment is made with the archive manager, in the first instance who will be on hand to facilitate visits. Alternatively, we can send samples out on loan to those who are unable to visit but again, please get in touch to discuss your needs.
The RIS archive has enabled the study of the population genetics of cryptic aphids species such as the currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) over nearly two decades.