News and Highlights

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Late October, what a perfect time to take a look at Invertebrate Zoology's beloved bloodsuckers! Curator Anna Phillips recently recorded an episode of the Smithsonian podcast Sidedoor all about the often underappreciated leech

Deep Sea Doppelgangers: SpongeBob and Patrick Spotted

August 23, 2021

The internet has been abuzz after our own Chris Mah spotted a strikingly familiar sight while reviewing footage from NOAA's Okeanos Explorer - a pink starfish sitting next to a bright yellow sea sponge!

Printed award for Chad Walter placed on the beach

Chad Walter Takes Home a WoRMS Award

July 2, 2021

Please join us in congratulating Chad Walter, retired Museum Specialist and volunteer, on his WoRMS Achievement Award!

Remembering Mary Rice

June 8, 2021

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Mary Rice, Curator Emeritus and former director of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Please join us in reflecting on her journey, accomplishments, and legacy.

A man sitting down on the beach with the ocean behind him

Spotlight: Klaus Ruetzler

April 8, 2021

In this edition of our Spotlight series, we're taking a look at Klaus Ruetzler! Klaus is Curator Emeritus of Sponges and it is a pleasure to highlight his career and many accomplishments, especially his establishment of the Marine Field Station at Carrie Bow Cay

Spotlight: Dave Pawson

March 11, 2021

In this Spotlight we're highlighting the life and work of Dave Pawson, emeritus Curator of Echinoderms and dear friend of the Invertebrate Zoology department!

A collection of different types and sizes of shells

Dall's 1927 USNM Mollusk Types of the Atlantic

February 2, 2021

Join us in taking a look at Yolanda Villacampa's ArcGIS StoryMap chronicling her work on William H. Dall's mollusk type specimens and some history on Dall himself!