Invertebrates non-insects

***While the museum building will close its doors in late 2012 for
renovation, scientific research will continue at Tervuren.***

We are specialised in the classification of many groups of animals that are neither vertebrates nor insects such as:

• spiders,
• molluscs,
• shellfish,
• myriapods,
• echinoderms,
• sponges.
   

Our work is mainly aimed at gaining knowledge of biodiversity. We also carry out research into
applied ecology such as:

• evaluating the quality of the forest by studying nocturnal spiders, 
• restoration of poor soil using centipedes,
• development of sustainable fishing by determining the density of sea cucumbers. 

Our basic research is aimed at the significance of the increasing complexity of the reproductive organs of certain groups of animals.  (current research themes)

This research unit of the zoology department was set up in the 1930s.