Center of studies on
Subterranean Biology

The Subterranean Invertebrate Collection of Lavras (ISLA) houses a large volume of cave specimens (mainly invertebrates) of Brazil and other countries. Among these, the high richness of troglomorphic organisms with different levels of specialization to the subterranean environment stands out. The specimens are the product of over fifteen years of samplings conducted in caves from different regions of the country, as well as donations of specimens from other collections in the world, a fact that enables broad ecological, evolutionary and taxonomic studies. The specimens in the collection are available for consultation by specialists and consultants. In the figure below (and above), are some specimens present in the collection.