Hymenopteran fauna inhabiting K.T.H.M. College Campus, Nashik, Maharashtra

Inventory of wasps, bees and carpenter bees belongs to order hymenoptera was prepared by collecting naturally dead specimens from KTHM College campus, Nashik during the July 2015 to February 2016. In the present study 25 species belonging to 19 genus and 11 families of Hymenoptera have been recorded. Of which total 11 species identified upto species level and remaining given morpho-species Genus (sp.) label. The identification of species was done by following keys of existing literature and confirmed by comparing the specimens in collection department of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai. Family apidae and vespidae found to be dominating families. Dominance of four species Apis dorsata, A. cerena indica, Thyrus ramosus, Amegila sp. was observed in terms of population, due to plentiful nector yielding plants in the college campus. The families Xylocopidae and Sphecidae were represented by 3 species each. Families Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae and Braconidae were represented by single Stibum sp., Coelichmeumon sp. and Cremnops sp. respectively.

Behind the Naturalist’s Lens – Celebrating the life and contribution to natural history of Charles Eric Palmar (1920-1986)

Charles Eric Palmar was Curator of Natural History in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow from 1949 to 1984 and a long-standing member of the Glasgow Natural History Society. This article provides an outline of his life and the major achievements in both his professional career and natural history activities. The latter included pioneering studies on the golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) of Scotland and made much use of photography and cinematography. A project is currently under way to scan, archive and make publicly accessible many of his photographs and films.

Early exploits in ornithological society

This chapter explores how Henry established himself into natural history society in London. It explores his participation in the fortnightly meetings of the Zoological Society of London and attendance at natural history auctions in London. It also explores the importance of correspondence networks among ornithologists. The British Ornithologists’ Union, the leading grouping of ornithologists in Britain, is explored in terms of its establishment, aims and its key members. Dresser was elected as a Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union in 1865. Dresser’s early publications are explored, notably his article on the birds of Southern Texas, based on his experiences there in 1863–64. Dresser became involved in the early bird conservation movement, and played a leading role in a committee to establish a close season for British seabirds.

Family background and early life

This chapter explores Dresser’s family background, establishing the family’s wealth and prominent social position. Dresser was sent to be schooled, alone, to Germany and Sweden, as his father had business interests in Baltic timber. Dresser learnt all of the main European languages at this time. Following this, he spent several years in Finland and New Brunswick in the timber business. It was in Finland that he made his first significant ornithological discovery, finding the nest of the Waxwing, being the first English collector to do so. The chapter introduces Dresser’s collecting of birds and eggs, and how he mixed ornithology with business when in the timber and mercantile business. It introduces his early life in London-based natural history society and his meeting with Alfred Newton, the leading ornithologist in Britain, who served as his mentor throughout much of Dresser’s life. The chapter is largely based on Dresser’s unpublished diaries.

Egyptian Mummies at the Redpath Museum: Unravelling the History of McGill University’s Collection

This article provides the context for the acquisition of the Egyptian Mummies collection at the Redpath Museum through donors such as James Ferrier, Sir Thomas Roddick and the Montreal Natural History Society. Since the 19th century the Mummies have solicited a great deal of public interest and have also been the object of rigorous scientific studies, this paper explores the history of the collection at Redpath and the impact of new technologies on adding to our knowledge of the collection.