Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection

Welcome to the Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection (ARC) website. The Collection was started by Professor Albert J. Cook in 1867 and later named in his honor. The ARC now houses close to 1.5 million specimens mounted on pins, slides or stored in alcohol, which are used for research, education, extension services and outreach. The collection is located in the Natural Science building at Michigan State University and is managed by the Department of Entomology. Currently 18 faculty, staff and students help oversee its operations.

Anthony Cognato and Gary Parsons

Access the collection database

Visit Ecdysis to access the collection database. Instructions for searching the database:

Deselect all.
Scroll to Midwest & Plains collections and check The Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection (MSU-MSUC).
Push the Search button in the upper right. This brings you to the search page for the Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection.
Enter family, genus or species and if needed any of the criteria listed below.

News

New Parthenogenetic Cockroach Discovered in U.S. and Austria by researchers at MSU

Published on July 14, 2025
MSU Entomologists identified a new species of cockroach that was previously undescribed. The preserved specimen are now housed in the Albert J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection at MSU.
New Bee Collection at MSU Preserves Vital Data for Future Research

Published on March 12, 2025
Dr. Rufus Isaacs' lab at MSU has contributed nearly 8,000 bee specimens to the A.J. Cook Arthropod Research Collection, providing valuable data for future research on bee decline, biodiversity, and climate change.
Gary Parsons’ gift supports research arthropod collection and the Bug House

Published on November 23, 2021
Parsons is sharing an unexpected gift to expand the capacity of the A.J. Cook Collection and bolster outreach at the MSU Bug House.