InsectNet forum

I thought this article from the Wall Street Journal might be of interest to the group. I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/butterfly ... os2&page=1

Behind a paywall unfortunately.

"Behind a paywall unfortunately."


without paywall:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/he ... r-AA1tnVuj

Steve's research collection is likely the most comprehensive collection of African butterflies in the world. It contains many holotypes and many examples of species only found in his collection and one or two others. His library is also excellent. His (and the collection's) contributions to scientific publications are innumerable. He's opened his doors to many researchers (and amateurs like myself) over the years and granted them free access to pour over the hundreds of boxes. I really do hope an appropriate custodian is found, lining up with his desire for the specimens to always be available for students and researchers alike.

Stupid that no institution wants to pay to ship the entire collection. They want to cherry pick; God knows what important future discoveries they'd leave behind. I wonder if any institutional collections managers have an eye for the actually undiscovered.

Chuck wrote: Mon Nov 04, 2024 12:19 am God knows what important future discoveries they'd leave behind.

Exactly. The collection contains a surprising number of undescribed species. Steve's also been actively trying to recruit folks to take interest in describing the things.

Interesting article indeed. My friend Steve, whom I’ve known for 40 years and to whom I entrusted my Cymothoe collection in 2004, has been tirelessly seeking a future buyer for his incredible collection. The main condition was that the collection be accessible to all scientists and students. Unfortunately, several leads have fallen through, and I am crossing my fingers that the world of entomologists will be able to discover this fabulous treasure—it truly has to be seen to be believed !

Some other discussions on this ABRI collection here : https://www.facebook.com/groups/5287309 ... 647974951/

Note too he expresses concern that Kenya may not allow the collection to be exported. This is typical of small-minded third-world bureaucracies; of course, Kenya has no place to house it, but that wouldn't stop them. The new owner would have to grease some palms in addition to the expenses to move the collection.

https://x.com/larrymadowo/status/186392 ... 38873?s=48
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