We are dedicated to the preservation, documentation & scientific study of biodiversity. Our collecti
The Museum of Biological Diversity (MBD) is a research facility in the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology (http://eeob.osu.edu) of The Ohio State University (http://www.osu.edu) and houses all of the university's biological collections, except fossils. As a dedicated research facility, the Museum is not regularly open to the public. However, once a year during our Annual Open
05/12/2026
New at the museum! Join us on the last Wednesday of each month at 7pm for Biodiversity Book Club! Each month we will meet to discuss the selected book, chat with like-minded science lovers, learn from experts, and check out specimens from our collections.
To learn more and sign up, visit our website at https://mbd.osu.edu/events/biodiversity-book-club
05/09/2026
The mysterious “golden orb” from yesterday’s What’s that Specimen? post is actually a body part of Relicanthus daphneae, a species of giant deep-sea anemone! The specimen was collected in 2023 as part of a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition. The sample was identified through a combination of genetic analysis and physical examination.
The species R. daphneae was first described in 2006 by Meg Daly, the director of our Invertebrate Division at the museum!
Fun fact: When disturbed, this anemone will detach its tentacles from its body!
Learn more about the golden orb at: https://www.noaa.gov/news/scientists-reveal-identity-of-mysterious-golden-orb-collected-during-noaa-expedition
Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
05/08/2026
Can you guess What’s That Specimen? This sample stumped scientists for 2 and a half years! Here’s a hint: this species is related to Marlin and Nemo’s home in the movie Finding Nemo.
Check back tomorrow to learn how this creature is connected to the Museum of Biological Diversity!
Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
05/01/2026
Curious about how a museum collection is curated? Check out the latest post on the Triplehorn Insect Collection blog by PhD student and curatorial intern, Lily Kelleher!
Link:
Curation in Practice: Processing the Sommer Lepidoptera Collection at OSU Some of my earliest memories revolve around bugs, from flipping rocks to find isopods to finding butterflies on flowers. When I came to OSU as a PhD student in EEOB, I was passionate about working …
04/26/2026
The answer to yesterday’s What’s that Specimen? is Lampsilis fasciola, aka, the wavy-rayed lampmussel! Like many mussels, this individual is displaying a lure that resembles a fish. When an unsuspecting fish nibbles at the minnow-like lure, the mussel releases its offspring (glochidia) into the fish’s gills.
The wavy-rayed lampmussel can be found in freshwater streams throughout Ohio. Due to pollution, habitat loss, and competition from invasive species, this mussel is listed as a specicies of concern in Ohio.
Learn more about the wavy-rayed lampmussel and our other incredible Ohio mussels at the Big Darby Watershed Freshwater Mussels Traveling Exhibit! This exhibit was made possible through collaboration with the Museum of Biological Diversity, Ohio Environmental Council, and the Columbus Zoo. You can catch the display at the following dates and locations:
OCWC at the Zoo: April 25-May 3, and May 5-8, 2026
Hilliard Branch Library: May 11-18, 2026
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: May 18-25, 2026
We hope to see you there!
04/24/2026
Welcome to What’s That Specimen? Can you identify this specimen from our collection?
Here’s a hint: Not everything is at it appears! This animal is mimicking another species.
Share your guesses in the comments and check back tomorrow to learn about this alluring adaptation!
Photo credit: Nate Shoobs
04/06/2026
Please join us for this week's seminar, hosted by the Graduate Evolution & Ecology Student Organization (GEES), we welcome Dr. Danielle Lee of Southern Illinois University . "COLLABORATIVE ECOLOGY: COLLEGE & COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS THAT CREATE WORTHWHILE RESEARCH EXPERIENCES" on Thursday, April 9 at 1:00pm in Mendenhall Lab, room 115.
For more information: https://bit.ly/3OgDbKy
04/02/2026
We loved opening our doors again at the annual Museum of Biological Diversity Open House last Saturday! With guests, staff, and volunteers, we welcomed over 1,800 people into the museum to learn and explore. Can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
03/27/2026
The Open House is TOMORROW!!! Volunteers and staff are hard at work today getting everything ready. We can’t wait to welcome you into the museum!
Check out our website for things to know before you arrive: mbd.osu.edu/open-house
03/20/2026
Our Open House is only 8 days away! We’ll be sharing some FAQs throughout the coming week but be sure to check out our website for all the info! mbd.osu.edu/open-house
For today’s FAQ: What can I expect to see and do at the Open House?
During most of the year the museum is used primarily for research and teaching college classes at OSU. The Open House is our annual event to welcome the public into the museum to tour each of our natural history collections. In addition to seeing a wide array of specimens, we’ve invited OSU labs and partnering organizations to come and share their knowledge and engaging activities. You’ll have the chance to hold live insects, peak through microscopes, make nature-themed crafts, dig for shells, and more. There’s something for everyone at the Open House!
We can’t wait to see you on March 28 from 10am to 3pm!
Flower Power is now on display 🌼🪲🌸🐝 Stop by to learn about the animals that pollinate plants! Don’t forget to take out a book about your favorite pollinator. You can even vote for which pollinator you like best. We would love to hear about your pollinator stories in the comments.