Entomological Society of New Zealand
Photo of the 21st meeting of the Entomological Society of New Zealand at Lincoln University (1972) | |
| Abbreviation | ESNZ |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1951 |
| Registration no. | CC39806 |
| Purpose | Stimulating the study and appreciation of entomology |
Region | New Zealand |
| Membership | Nearly 250 (2025) |
Publication | New Zealand Entomologist, The Wētā |
| Website | ento |
The Entomological Society of New Zealand promotes interest in and the study of insects (entomology) and related arthropods for both professional entomologists and amateurs. It was founded in 1951.[1]
Founding
The society was founded in 1951 in Christchurch during the Royal Society of New Zealand's Seventh New Zealand Science Congress. There were initially 50 registered members.[2][1] Notable original members included:
- David Miller
- Lionel Dumbleton
- Alan Lowe
- William Cottier
- Ray Forster
- Edwin Gourlay
- Roy Harrison
- Kenneth Lamb
- Graeme Ramsay
- Geoffrey Satchell
- Graham Turbott
- Keith Wise
Present day
The society reported having nearly 250 members as of April 2025.[3] Since 2023, the society has hosted an annual "New Zealand Bug of the Year" competition where the public votes for a New Zealand native invertebrate from a pool of candidates as the "Bug of the Year".[4]
Publications
The society publishes two serials. The main one is New Zealand Entomologist, a peer-reviewed journal for scientists that has been published since 1951.[2][5] The Wētā is a news bulletin that has been published since 1977. It reports news, opinions and findings of interest that are not suitable for formal peer-reviewed publication.[6]
Fellows
As of April 2025, there have been 15 society fellows:[7]
- Guillermo Kuschel (1988)
- Roy Harrison (1990)
- Ray Forster (1994)
- Brenda May (1998)
- John Dugdale (2001)
- Ian Mclellan (2004)
- Beverley Holloway (2009)
- George Gibbs (2010)
- Barbara Barratt (2011)
- Rowan Emberson (2014)
- Alan Eyles (2014)
- Ricardo Palma (2015)
- Peter Johns (2017)
- Jacqueline Beggs (2023)
- Richard Leschen (2023)
References
- ^ a b Lowe, A. D. (1973). "A short history of New Zealand entomology and the society". New Zealand Entomologist. 5 (2): 109–112. Bibcode:1973NZEnt...5..109L. doi:10.1080/00779962.1973.9722977. ISSN 0077-9962.
- ^ a b "Directory of Members". The New Zealand Entomologist. 1 (1): 4–8. 1951.
- ^ "Member directory – Entomological Society of New Zealand". ento.org.nz. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
- ^ Corlett, Eva (20 February 2025). "Worm-like creature with 'dark secret' wins New Zealand bug of the year award". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
- ^ "Learn about New Zealand Entomologist". Taylor & Francis. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
- ^ Tenquist, J.D. (1977). "The Weta". The Wētā. 1 (1): 1.
- ^ "Fellowship of the society – Entomological Society of New Zealand". ento.org.nz. Retrieved 20 April 2025.