The U.S. National Tick Collection (USNTC) is the largest tick collection in the world with more than a million specimens including representatives of most of the world's c. 850 species. The collection remains the property of the Smithsonian Institution. The collection is a national treasure that allows tick identifications and related research to be carried out on a worldwide basis. This vital function allows ticks that are medically important or that parasitize livestock or pets (including those that transmit pathogens such as the agents that cause Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) to be distinguished from species having less economic importance. For more information call 912-478-5564 or go to http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/iap/Tick_collec.htm