The Entomology collection is dominated by the Diptera (flies), which was commenced by Dr B. R. Stuckenberg in 1953. This collection consists of more than 200 000 specimens, and is one of the largest and most representative collections in the southern hemisphere. It is certainly the most comprehensive collection of flies in Africa, and as such is an important resource for African entomologists. It has been enlarged and consolidated, both by extensive collecting in Southern Africa, and by the acquisition of other significant regional collections. The Diptera collection of the Transvaal Museum was obtained by exchange in 1975, and the Zumpt Collection of the South African Institute of Medical Research was acquired by donation in 1983. The collection of flies contains more than 1275 primary types and 5474 secondary types. It is housed in almost 1000 wooden insect drawers together with an alcohol and slide collection. The Entomology collection also includes several smaller collections including Heteroptera and Mecoptera. Material from the Entomology collection is regularly sent on loan to researchers around the world.