Close up of morph butterflies display case.

ASU Biocollections

Supporting research, education and biodiversity science and discovery

Welcome to ASU Biocollections

The Center for Biological Collections and Discovery (ASU Biocollections) encompasses two complementary major collections, each with distinct missions and specialized holdings. While managed separately, the collections are united by shared scientific expertise and coordinated stewardship. Together, they support research, education, and long-term biodiversity science through collaborative leadership and complementary infrastructure.

beetle
Sena and Sangmi

ASU Natural History Collections

Sonoran Desert biota spanning the U.S.-Mexico border, including herbaria, invertebrate and vertebrate collections. The NHC collections are sustained through a small grant from the University and the generous support of donors. Continued philanthropic contributions play a vital role in preserving, expanding, and ensuring long-term access to these valuable resources.

Explore the Collections
NEON collections

National Ecological Observatory Network Biorepository

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Biorepository are contemporary collections from across the United States, including herbaria, invertebrates, vertebrates, and environmental collections.The NEON Biorepository is supported through funding from the National Science Foundation.

Explore the Collections

15

Collections

4.3 million+

Specimens

80,000 +

Species represented

Featured collections

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Natural History Collections

Paleobiology Collection

The Paleobiology Collections were formed in April, 2026 to consolidate the original Fossil Plant Collections together with invertebrate, vertebrate and trace fossil collections in order to reflect the broader assemblage of fossil organisms
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NEON Biorepository

Plant Collections

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Aquatic Observation System (AOS) and Terrestrial Observation System (TOS) are designed to provide standardized, continentally-distributed observations of organisms, biogeochemistry, and physical properties.
NEON Biorepository

Cryo Collection

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Biorepository cryo collection comprises 25 freezers and liquid nitrogen units, enabling sample storage at conditions from -196 °C to +5 °C.

Land Acknowledgement

We at the ASU Biocollections would like to acknowledge the 23 Indigenous Nations that have inhabited this land for centuries. Arizona State University’s campuses are located on ancestral territories of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) communities. We are dedicated to supporting Indigenous Nations in achieving data futures of their own making.

Latest Biocollections news

Student looking into microscope

Art Under the Microscope - 2026

Since 2022, Art Under the Microscope has been an annual collaboration between the ASU Biocollections and the ASU School of Art, bringing together s

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family at butterfly exhibit

ASU Insect Collections Connect with the Community at Butterfly Festival

On April 12th, the ASU Insect Collections team participated in the biannual Butterfly Festival at Butterfly Wonderland, joining over 3,000 guests
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family around insect collection

ASU Biocollections Celebrates Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo

The ASU Biocollections had a blast time participating in the Phoenix Zoo Earth Day event on April 25.

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