Administrative History of Creating Unit
The major functions of the Section of Faunistic Surveys and Insect Identification are to conduct worldwide systematic research on insect and animal groups that have species found in Illinois; to provide identification services for agencies, institutions and the public; to maintain the Survey's reference and research collections of preserved animal; and to conduct surveys and prepare reports on the fauna of Illinois.1 The section's staff is comprised of specialists responsible for the study and collection of animal groups, particularly of insect species. One specialist also acts as Head of the section.2
In 1885, the State Entomologist's Office was charged with the duty of producing a series of systematic reports covering the field of zoology in Illinois.3 An insect systematic program, derived from this old charge, was developed in the 1920's and formalized, in 1935, into an Insect Survey Section.4 In 1947, the program was expanded to include all animal groups, the Insect Survey Section was renamed the Section of Faunistic Surveys and Insect Identification and given the responsibility of taking care of all the Survey's taxonomic collections.5
1. Illinois Natural History Survey, Publications of the Illinois Natural History Survey, 1876-1983, p. 30.
2. University of Illinois, Student-Staff Directory, 1982-3, p. 34.
3. Illinois Natural History Survey, Bulletin, 27, December 1958, p. 130
4. Ibid., pp. 132-3.
5. Ibid., pp. 133-4.
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