142 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 



How long is long? 



The "code for insect collecting", first drawn up by the Joint Committee for the 

 Conservation of British Insects (now Invertebrates), JCCBI, in 1972 is fully endorsed 

 by the BENHS. It has been widely publicized, and appears in the insect volume of 

 British red data books and elsewhere. The appropriate section on collecting rare and 

 endangered macrolepidoptera species (paragraph 2.1) states "As a guide the Committee 

 suggests that a pair of specimens is sufficient, but those species in the greatest danger 

 should not be collected at all". The code specifies macrolepidoptera in this context, 

 however collectors of all orders might like to consider how such restraint could apply 

 more broadly. 



The code also suggests (paragraph 1.3) "The same species should not be taken in 

 numbers year after year from the same locality". There is sometimes a good and 

 valid argument for collecting more of certain species, from the same locality, over 

 a number of years. Analysis of regional variation, genetic forms, population studies 

 and the like can only be carried out by collection and examination of numerous 

 specimens. The killing of captive-bred specimens further clouds the issue, as the habitat 

 and environment are obviously not affected. 



In these cases the length of a series is analogous to the length of a piece of string. 

 Entomologists must act by their own restraint. However, to avert confusion and 

 embarrassment, Council suggests that as a general "rule of thumb", six specimens 

 ought to be enough to demonstrate in an exhibit a particular local form or variety 

 or variation spectrum. If it is thought that more than this number are required in 

 an exhibit, Council is pleased to be approached by potential exhibitors. 



Breaking new ground 



Another source of possible disquiet follows the discovery of a rare insect in a novel 

 locality. It duly appears in an exhibit one year only to appear in several exhibits the 

 next — all from that same locality. Some entomologists have been encouraged to keep 

 important records secret for fear of a new locality being over-run by collectors! This 

 needlessly continues to fuel the fire of concern amongst the anti-collecting fraternity. 



Annual Exhibition 



It is not possible, or indeed desirable, for the Society to police its members' collecting 

 habits. However, it is desirable to support a vision of the BENHS as a society of 

 responsible and sensible naturalists in pursuit of a laudable and important aim — the 

 furtherance of entomological knowledge. 



Members will not, therefore, be surprised to find the following announcement given 

 full prominence on the Society's 1994 Annual Exhibition notice: 



Long series of threatened or scarce insects 



will not be welcome. The code for insect collecting, 



endorsed by the BENHS, suggests that a pair of 



specimens of such species is sufficient. 



Similarly, long series of any insect taken 



from the same locality will not be welcome 



without prior approach to the Council. 



