When you think of Georgia animal attractions, you probably think of the whale shark at the Georgia aquarium, the Pandas at Zoo Atlanta, or even the gators in the Okefenokee Swamp. What you probably don’t think of is the largest tick collection in the world.
Well. Let’s change that. Georgia is home to the United States National Tick Collection, or the USNTC, which is housed at Georgia Southern University, just 3 hours from Atlanta. And yes, you read that right. Ticks. The little blood-sucking bugs. Keep scrolling to learn about the National Tick Collection, and how you can pay a visit to millions of ticks.
What is the National Tick Collection?
The National Tick Collection is a massive (we’re talking over a million specimens) collection of ticks and tick research, representing nearly every tick species imaginable.
The USNTC states,
With over 125,000 accessioned lots, and bolstered by an extensive library of scientific reprints, monographs, and books, the USNTC stands as one of the largest, if not the largest, curated tick collections in the world. This extraordinary collection, belonging to the prestigious U.S. National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution), has been entrusted to Georgia Southern University since 1990.
At the USNTC, you’ll find specimens gathered from every corner of the globe, representing most of the approximately 860 known species of ticks and a quarter of the primary tick types.
Why does Georgia Southern University have a collection of ticks?
The reasoning behind the National Tick Collection is actually a really good one: for crucial health and disease research.
The USNTC states,
Because of the critical role ticks play in human and veterinary medicine, the USNTC serves as an invaluable resource not only for tick taxonomists but also for public health officials who are working to protect communities from tick-borne illnesses.
But it’s not just about history and preservation–the USNTC is focused on shaping the future by empowering future scientists to tackle the challenges of tick-borne illnesses.
Can I visit the United States National Tick Collection?
Actually… yes.
The USNTC is open for tours by appointment only. Contact icps@georgiasouthern.edu to set up an appointment.
There is also a permanent exhibit outside of the collection that is accessible whenever the university is open (M-F 8am-7pm).