Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection

Dr. Harry C. Severin Curator 1908-1963	Dr. Edward C. Balsbaugh, Jr Curator 1965-1974	Dr. Burruss McDaniel Curator 1976-1990

The Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection (SMIRC) is a public service facility that serves the citizens of South Dakota and the northern Great Plains region on natural heritage and biological diversity issues related to insects and other arthropods.  The SMIRC is the largest insect collection in the northern Great Plains, with  estimated holdings of 1.2 million specimens, and provides taxonomic and systematics support to a broad spectrum of research, teaching, and extension needs.  The SMIRC is the sole site in South Dakota for documentation of the regional arthropod fauna, which is conducted through the Biological Diversity of the Dakotas project.  Specimens vouchered in the SMIRC are used in research on insect taxonomy and systematics, scientific validation of research results, detection of invasive species, community analysis, and biodiversity projects in grasslands, wetlands, and forests.  The SMIRC is funded only with grants and contracts, and donations through the SDSU Foundation Burruss McDaniel Insect Collection Endowment. 

To visit the SMIRC or borrow materials for scientific research, contact:

Paul J. Johnson, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology

Zuni Eyed Elater

Alaus zunianus Casey

Photo by Paul J. Johnson, 1995

SMIRC'ers                    SMIRC Productions                      SMIRC History