Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions about the search facility.

Why did I get a nil return for a search which should have returned a result?

Did you remember to clear the fields for a new search before entering your new search requirements? Please review your search. Other possible reasons are included below.

Why can't I find a species under a name (Genus/Species) in current use?

Sometimes material has not been examined by an expert, and as such retains the name used during the period when it was collected/last curated. Thus you should search the collections under potential synonyms for the species you are seeking.

Why is material not listed under the current family?

Much of the collection curation used the family structure in use during the last phase of up-dating. In bivalves this will follow a structure based in part on the Invertebrate Treatise for Palaeontology. In the Pulmonates the classification largely is based on Zilch. For the marine Gastropods the classification will largely be based on Wenz, but recent collections may also have used Vaughtlassification of the Mollusca. Remember to structure your search enquiry to take this into account.

Why does some material not have any generic name?

In the old collections frequently no generic name, or just the first letter appears on the label. We do not add the generic data at level 0, as the field is set for the original label data. Thus please remember that you may be better just putting the species name and family name if searching for historical material in the collection.