The collection is particularly strong in aculeate wasps and bees (Hymenoptera), largely due to the efforts of former Curators, but also has a substantial collection of beetles (Coleoptera), while a core collection of true flies (Diptera) is currently being built upon through active fieldwork initiatives in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere in southern Africa.

Significant collections are the aculeate wasps and bees (142 000 specimens), the van Hille collection of Anthicidae (Coleoptera), the Martin Villet collection of Cicadidae (Homoptera) and the Randall Hepburn collection of honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea).

All the major terrestrial insect orders, plus historically important collections of scorpions, solufuges and other terrestrial invertebrates.