i would like to be a pro entomologist

[Jason Green]

Rather scathing don't you think! What's disgusted you about this and the other thread? The only thing I'd say is that she could probably do with starting other groups - and taking specimens, the museum may have some species they'd like added and this would be good experience for her. Taking them already dead is OK, but often these could be worn by exposure and missing important features. It's also very limiting in as much as what you could come across species-wise.

I for one am pleased she's got this dream and is working towards it - and without wanting to sound 'sexist', it's good to see females involved.

[Matt Smith]

Originally Posted by BloomingMarvellous

Then you find a Bee, that you said was dead, which i believe was untrue, and you pinned that Bee. Don't you think you jumped the gun a bit? Why don't you start right at the begining, if you was serious about this, you would.

Dragging this thread back on topic - if anyone wishes to be a professional entomologist, then they will have to take voucher specimens (ie catch - kill - pin - (dissect) - identify). There is simply no other way of going about the profession.

I can recognise some species in the field. When I am doing a survey on a good site I can sometimes fill a page or 2 of my field notebook with names of species I am confident I can identify in the field, this comes to between 60 - 120 species. Vouchers have to be taken of everything else, that equates to about 200 or so of the 250 UK bee species, 240 or the 260 Tachinid Fly species, 200 or so of the 250 waterbeetle species etc etc. THere is simply no way round this.

Proper voucher collection is not equivilent to the old Victorian style of what I call "stamp collecting" entomology, where cabinets were filled with large series of common things. Take a look at the code for insect collecting:

A code of conduct for collecting insects and other invertebrates - Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES)


While I appreciate theat some people may find the taking of any specimens distasteful, if one wishes to be a profession field entomologist then there is no way round it. The "damage" I do to insect populations by spending a few hours on site with my net is negligeable compared to the the effects that natural predators, urban sprawl, modern farming methods and other and human processes have on insect populations. Look at the front bumper of your car after a long drive in summer to see what I mean.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by BloomingMarvellous

, that you said was dead, which i believe was untrue, .

regardless of your feelings about the taking of specimens BM (on which we are all entitled to our own opinion), you are well out of order with this comment. On the other thread Alexandra has answered your question about what tools she used to clear the debris from the web , and provided photos of them - and yet you are still calling her a liar, with absolutely no evidence to back up your suposition

The fact that she is currently depending on finding dead specimens will dictate what specimens she has readily to hand, so starting at "the begining" may not be practical , so why shouldnt she pin a dead bee she finds

The only thing i find disgusting in this or the other thread is your bad attitude to someone trying to start out and frankly you owe her an apology.

[whaleomeloette]

im not even going to answer BM because it was very clear what he was implying on my other thread, ie. i killed the bee, so i just hoped he wasnt and posted photos of my equipment in case he genuinely did want to know


thank you to everyone who jumped in to my defence there!
i find alot of dead bees where i live- i think they sting people on the busy retail estate and then die maybe?
they all tend to be the same species, i dont usually pick them up but i have started doing so, they are 'fresh' looking as i go there everyday walking the same route so im going to find it on the day it has died

i know i probably will have to end up reluctantly taking live sample of insects if i do start this educational journy, but i dont really want to and for the time being i have no need to what so ever