The University of Giessen Systematics and Biodiversity collection (UGSB) is curated by our group. The collection is equipped with explosion proof freezers (-20 and -80°C) and security measures such as a temperature-alarm system and a CO2 fire extinguishing system. It harbors freshwater, marine and terrestrial molluscs, but also bird, fish, leech, crustacean and coral samples. The DNA-enabled items (whole specimens or tissues) are typically stored in 80% ethanol at -20 °C. Currently the collection database includes around 6000 lots with full collecting information and voucher images, if applicable. Furthermore, our collection holds approximately 15,000 DNA preps, stored at -80°C. Our group started to use the databank developed by the DNA Bank Network and all DNA information will eventually become available to the scientific community through the internet.
