Parasite collections at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) of Harvard University maintains several globally important collections of parasitic animals and protozoans, as well as vectors and intermediate hosts of parasites. The collections include helminths, arthropods, molluscs, and other groups, collected around the globe by many parasitologists. Specimens date back to before 1859 when the Museum was founded. Current collection activities focus on voucher specimens from field studies, and building an electronic database accessible on-line. Within the last decade, the curatorial space has been significantly enlarged and modernized. Use of and contribution to the collections by parasitologists outside Harvard for scientific and educational purposes is encouraged, and subject to approval by MCZ on a case-by-case basis.