Entomological Collection

Haleakalā National Park is home to a wide variety of insects and arthropods! While these tiny critters may not receive the same attention as the park’s larger wildlife, they play vital roles in maintaining the natural balance. Many species here are unique to Haleakalā, found nowhere else on Earth!

The Haleakalā National Park Museum collection includes over 3,100 specimens of native and non-native insects that were collected within the park's boundaries as part of authorized research. For more information about research conducted in the park, visit Science, Research in the Park - Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Studying the entomology specimens found in the park helps us understand the fascinating lives of these insects and their essential roles in the ecosystem. These roles include pollination, decomposition, and serving as food sources for other wildlife. For more details about the insects found at Haleakalā, please check out Insects, Arachnids & Arthropods - Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Access to Collection:

The museum storage building and research room is located in the summit area of the park. Access to the collection is by appointment from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except on Federal holidays) and will be dependent upon an individual's needs and availability of staff. If requesting access to the collection, please contact Park Museum Curator (katie_matthew@nps.gov) a minimum of one (1) week before you wish to visit.

Acknowledgements:

All images of the Haleakalā National Park entomology collection were photographed as part of a project in collaboration with the University of Hawai‘i. This initiative was conducted through the Hawai‘i-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit under Agreement Number P23AC02110. The photographs were taken by Spencer Pote, with oversight from Dr. Daniel Rubinoff, entomologists with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Insect Museum. The photographs have been placed online for visitors to view.