Only legally acquired and properly documented specimens will be considered. 

To facilitate the donation process, it is necessary to provide a signed Deed of Gift (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lbHb-1q8oHXtsF2j2hzu8bwdj5-z4Qyz/view?usp=sharing) along with the specimens. The Deed of Gift serves as an inventory, confirming that the donor is the rightful owner of the said specimens, acquired in accordance with the law.

To expedite the processing of donations, please submit an Excel (or google) spreadsheet to the designated point of contact. The spreadsheet should include the following specimen information:

1. Taxonomic data:

•    Scientific name

•    Identified by (person or organization)

2. Specimen count:

•    Number of specimens

•    Sex (if applicable)

•    Stage (if applicable)

3. Locality data:

•    Country

•    State/Province (if applicable)

•    Locality description

•    Body of water (if applicable)

•    GPS coordinates (if available)

4. Collector information:

•    Name of collector

•    Collection date

5. Preservation method: 

•    Description of the method used to preserve the specimens

Your cooperation in providing the necessary information and signed Deed of Gift will greatly assist in the efficient handling of the donation.

Why do we need specimens and what will we do with them?

Isopoda specimens are of great importance to Isopodologists, who are researchers which study the biology of isopods. Isopodologists rely on specimens to accurately identify and classify different species, by examining the physical characteristics of preserved specimens, researchers can compare them to existing descriptions and determine if they belong to known species or represent new ones. This classification is crucial for cataloging and understanding the diversity of isopods. Many older specimens housed in museum collections represent important type specimens, reference material used in species descriptions. Additionally, these historical specimens provide a baseline for understanding changes in isopod distributions, as well as serving as a record of past biodiversity. Losing such specimens due to neglect and inadequate care means losing an irreplaceable window into the past, which can hinder our ability to study the historical biogeography and evolutionary patterns of isopods.

Therefore, the loss of Isopoda specimens in museum collections is a growing concern for Isopodologists around the world. Specifically, in the Americas, many valuable specimens have been lost. To address this issue, the AIMG aims to create a well-organized and cataloged collection of Isopoda specimens. This involves carefully curating and maintaining a repository of preserved specimens, ensuring they are stored in the appropriate conditions to prevent degradation and damage. By organizing this collection, the AIMG can facilitate easy access and retrieval of specimens for research purposes, making them available to the scientific community. To enhance accessibility, we plan to digitize all new additions to the collection, as of 6/20/2023, by creating digital records of each specimen, including detailed information such as species identification, collection locality, and associated data, researchers can access the collection remotely through the Reference Collection page of the AIMG website. This digital database will provide a valuable resource for Isopodologists and anyone else interested in isopods, allowing them to search and study the specimens without physical access to the collection.  Additionally, we recognize the need for ongoing research on the preservation and storage of Isopoda specimens; therefore, by conducting such research into this area, we aim to develop best practices for maintaining the integrity of the specimens over time. These studies will explore various preservation methods, storage conditions, and techniques to ensure the long-term viability of Isopoda specimens in museum collections. We hope to raise awareness and encourage other museums and research institutions to adopt improved practices in preserving and caring for Isopoda specimens.

We actively encourage hobbyists to submit specimens for identification or description, we want to ensure accurate classification and expand our knowledge of Isopoda within the hobby. When hobbyists submit their specimens, the AIMG's team of taxonomists will examine them and will strive to identify the species accurately and provide a comprehensive description of the specimen's characteristics. Via engaging with hobbyists in the identification and description process, we aim to foster a mutual exchange of knowledge. We recognize the potential for hobbyists to discover new or rare species within their collections. Specimens that do not align with existing species descriptions may represent previously unknown taxa or distinct populations. We endeavor to document and study these potentially novel isopod species, enriching our understanding of their biodiversity.  We hope this collaborative effort will facilitate effective communication and the generation of scientifically valuable data.  

Guide on how to prepare and send specimens to the collection:

Preserved Specimens:

Equipment and Supplies:

• Plastic containers with tight-sealing lids

• Leak-proof bags or vials

• Preservation fluid (preferably 70% ethanol, 70% isopropyl is okay for a short duration in transit)

• Packaging tape

• Labels and markers

• Shipping box

• Insulation material (such as foam or newspaper)

1. Contact the AIMG:

•   Before donating your specimens, reach out to us the AIMG (American Isopod and Myriapod Group) or Nathan Jones (the collections manager) to inform us about your intention to donate. You can contact us via email to learn further about the donation process and any specific requirements we may have.

2. Selecting Containers:

• Choose containers or vials that are appropriately sized to accommodate the specimens and preservation fluid.

• Ensure the containers have tight-sealing lids to prevent leaks during shipping. You can find affordable vials in the beading section of stores such as Walmart.

3. Preparation and Documentation:

•  Prioritize careful preparation of your specimens by ensuring they are adequately preserved in suitable preservation fluid. The recommended preservation fluid is 70%-75% ethanol, this can be created by using 95% Everclear, which can be obtained from most liquor stores, to achieve a 70% approx. concentration, dilute the Everclear with distilled water 75ml Everclear to 20ml water (yes, this will make the preservative a concentration higher than 70%). It is preferable to use ethanol as the preservation fluid, as 70% isopropyl may lead to shrinkage in the specimens. However, if ethanol is not available, 70% isopropyl can be used as an alternative. Make sure to use enough preservation fluid to fully submerge the specimens to avoid damage during shipping. Each vial should ideally contain a maximum of ten specimens and a minimum of five; however, for less specimens cotton can be added to prevent the specimens from moving in transit.

•    It is crucial to document pertinent details about the specimens to facilitate scientific research and proper cataloging. Include the speces name, collection location, date of collection, and any additional notes or observations that may be relevant. This information will enhance the value and usability of the specimens for future study. Labels can be created with details written clearly or printed and attached securely to the containers.

Label example:

Ligidium cf. elrodii (Packard, 1873) 4♀ 1♂ United States: Virginia, Accomack Co.,  

New Church; 37°6'1.8"N 5°0'13.W

Col. N.T Jones; 28 January 2023 

Det. N.T. Jones; 28 January 2023 

Prep. 95% Ethanol 

Hab. Under leaf litter near creek.

Notes: Collected in an old creek which is now dried up, they are surviving by going into logs that are rotting and retaining water from rain.

4. Sealing the Container:

• Ensure the container is securely sealed with its lid, tightly closed to prevent any leakage. Additional tape, such as grafting tape, can be applied to the lids for extra protection against leaks.

5. Packaging:

• Line the shipping box with insulation material, such as foam or crumpled newspaper, to provide cushioning during transit.

• Place the packaged specimens inside the insulated shipping box.

• Close the box securely and seal it with packaging tape to prevent any accidental openings.

• If using vials or bags, place the sealed container inside a leak-proof bag or container to provide an additional layer of protection against spills or leaks.

6. Shipping:

• Clearly label the box as "Fragile" and "Handle with Care."

• Select a shipping method that complies with local and international regulations for shipping hazardous materials or chemicals.

• Consider using expedited shipping to minimize the time the specimens spend in transit.

7. Communication with the AIMG:

• Inform the AIMG about the shipment in advance, providing us with the necessary details such as tracking information and estimated arrival date.

• The AIMG requires all shipments to fully comply with both local and international regulations including permits, customs requirements, or special instructions for shipping biological specimens. Futhermore the AIMG cannot be held responsible for any material seized during transit.

8. Donation Acknowledgment:

• After the specimens have been received by the AIMG, we may acknowledge your donation in issues of the newsletter or other publications. We may provide a formal acknowledgment letter or email to express our gratitude for your contribution.

•  If desired, you can request to be kept informed about any future research or publications related to the specimens you donated or request that your name be kept anonymous.