134__320x240_img_2503b With more then 1000 types and 2 millions specimens, the Entomological Conservatory of Gembloux is the biggest insects conservation space in Wallonia. Still passed down, until the middle of the 20th century, to the Natural Science Museum in Brussels, the wallone collections have, since a number of years, their own enhanced space.

Incorporated in the Functional and Evolutive Entomology service of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, the conservatory regroups student’s, professor’s and generous donor’s collections or collections from distinguished Belgian and foreign entomologists. Focus on the history of this incredible collection.

A conservatory in Wallonia

131__320x240_dsc_0413bDuring close to two centuries, not a single conservatory existed in Wallonia. When the amateur and informed collectors wanted to donate their work, they didn’t have any choices other then donate their collection to the Natural Science Museum in Brussels.

In 1949, aware of the necessity for Wallonia to own its own conservation space, Jean Leclerq, then professor of entomology in Gembloux, asserted the right to a regional alternative. He proposed to implement it in Liège, but in the end, it was created in Gembloux in 1960.

 

A collection of multiple origins

Since 1960, the collection in Gembloux has continued to increase, but it couldn’t have been created and developed without the help of

insects boxes…

At all times, the students of Gembloux have built “insects boxes” during the course of their studies. Their current contribution is valued to 30 000 specimens per year. Furthermore, many research projects driven by some professors of the Entomological Unit have reinforced this collection.

… collectors…

For a number of years, donations of personal collections from passionate entomologists reinforce the quality and quantity of the museum collections.

The methodical and meticulous work of donors, sometimes spread out over

Le travail méthodique et minutieux des donateurs, parfois étalé sur plusieurs dizaines d’années, est de cette manière conservé et mis en valeur au titre de patrimoine entomologique wallon.

…international exchanges…

… and the University of Liege