Entomological Collections - Their Historic Importance and Relevance in the 21st Century

Mark Colvin

Abstract: This article provides information on the relevance of entomological collections and collecting. It also reviews recent literature and provides the reader with a perspective on the reasoning behind the responsible collecting of specimens and the formation of a collection, and provides examples of the use of such specimens.

Sir David Attenborough with Wallace's Giant Bee Megachile pluto
Photo © OUMNH

The aim of this article is to provide what I hope is a balanced and thought-provoking personal view on both the historic importance, and contemporary relevance, of entomological collections and collecting. It is not, by any means, intended to present a position endorsed by any individual or organization, or to encourage collecting without appropriate research based justification or consideration of the Invertebrate Link (Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Invertebrates) code (see sidebar). Rather, its fundamental objective is to enlighten readers in a subject that is frequently controversial, due to a lack of understanding of the reasons for collecting and killing specimens, which consequently generates diverse and conflicting opinions.

Credit: https://www.dispar.org/pdf/92.pdf