(Photo courtesy of Salvatore Anzaldo)

Cratosomus lafontii Guérin, 1844

Entomologists Lois and Charlie O’Brien spent their entire careers collecting and classifying insects from all over the world — weevils, to be exact. They’re a type of beetle that are often known for killing crops, but can also be useful in the agriculture industry.

They’ve gathered more than 1 million of them over the years and meticulously classified them in a collection that’s estimated to be worth $12 million. And now, they’re donating their life’s work to ASU.

The bequest sets ASU up as a premier leader in weevil studies. Dr. Nico Franz, associate professor and curator of the insect collection at ASU, took me on a took a tour of the collection.