In 2008 the John W. Morris Butterfly (& More) Collection was donated to the M.M. Bennett Library at the Tarpon Springs Campus of Saint Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, Florida.  This collection contains more than 5,000 butterflies, moths, and insects. 

John W. Morris was a life-long collector and a dedicated, amateur entomologist.  His passion for collecting butterflies and moths began at the age of 12 and lasted until his death in 2007 at the age of 90.   He corresponded and traded with collectors all over the world and formed lasting friendships with families in the South Pacific and Kenya, Africa. 

Every grandchild was given a butterfly net at the age of two and was taken on field trips to catch butterflies indigenous to the areas where they lived.  These expeditions often included the children's friends. 

After retiring, Mr. Morris and his wife visited schools to share his knowledge and love of the natural world.  He took cases of insects and specimens the students could examine and touch.  His purpose was to teach respect for the environment and to appreciate its beauty and mystery.

This collection was given to SPC by Mr. Morris' daughter, Carolyn Kistner, who is a math instructor at the Tarpon Springs SPC campus.   It was her father's wish that the collection would remain intact and housed in a place where it could be viewed by the public and used for educational purposes. 

The collection is housed in eighty-four 17"x 15" drawers in the library.  Each drawer is fitted with plexiglass to protect and preserve the specimens.

Guests are encouraged to visit the M.M. Bennett Library (http://www.spcollege.edu/tsc/) to view this collection.  If you cannot travel to Tarpon Springs, Florida we have created this web site with more information and interviews with Mr. Morris.

Please enjoy these beautiful examples of nature's beauty!