Invertebrate Zoology

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Within the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, scientists conduct original research on all 30 major invertebrate animal groups (phyla) of the world (except insects), and are stewards for the 50 million specimens of invertebrates that comprise the U.S. National Collection. The study of invertebrates offers great challenges and opportunities to contribute to the world's knowledge of these organisms.

Due to the lapse of federal government funding, The Smithsonian has temporarily ceased normal operations and closed to the public. We are currently in furlough status without access to email. We will return your messages as soon as possible once funding has been restored. For information about the Smithsonian Institution, visit www.si.edu.

Science Illustration: A Creative Door for Early Women in Science

Invertebrate Zoology contractor Raven Capone-Benko has written an excellent piece for Smithsonian Magazine on some of the highly talented illustrators from our department over the years

a black and white illustration of a Loriciferan specimen

Partnerships & Facilities

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

A rainbow of colors beneath a piece of DNA sequencing technology.

Global Genome Initiative

Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities

National Cancer Institute

A small squid with chromatophores against a black background

Ocean Hall

United States Department of Agriculture

View All Department Research

Access to Our Collections

Our collection of over 50 million specimens are available for scientific research. Use the links below to request a loan of specimens, donate specimens to our collections, or schedule a visit.