Washington State University’s M.T. James Entomological Collection, recognized as the largest insect collection in the state, will enhance its storage capabilities due to a recent $250,000 donation from Terry and Faye Whitworth.

This funding will facilitate the installation of a new compactor storage system, which is expected to potentially double the collection’s storage capacity.

The importance of large insect collections is highlighted by Terry Whitworth, a retired entomologist, stating that documenting both historic and current insect populations enables scientific research into population variations and the dynamics of species extinction and survival.

Elizabeth Murray, the museum director and WSU assistant professor in the entomology department, noted that the donation aligns with the museum’s objectives and supports its growing collection, which includes new specimens gathered by WSU researchers and contributions from private collectors statewide. The new storage space is anticipated to significantly benefit the museum’s operations.