An Inordinate Fondness

The monthly blog carnival devoted to beetles.

February 2, 2010 • 11:12 PM 6

Two weeks to go

The inaugural issue of An Inordinate Fondess is only two weeks away.  We are still looking for submissions, so don’t miss out on your only chance to be a founding contributor.  Blog posts dealing with beetles in any aspect are welcome, and you don’t have to be a coleopterist (entomologist specializing in beetles) to participate.  An Inordinate Fondness is a celebration of beetles and their diversity, significance, and beauty from the perspective of serious student or casual observer alike.  Do you photograph beetles?  Share the wonders of their exquisite designs with us.  Do you study beetles?  Let us know about your research.  Are you a beetle collector?  Take us along on one of your field excursions.  Did you find a beetle that you had never seen before?  Tell us how you went about trying to identify it.

To submit a post, pick out your favorite blog post dealing with beetles and send an email with the title, link, and a brief description. You may also use this handy blog carnival submission form.  If you’re not sure if your selection meets the criteria for this carnival, send it in anyway and we’ll let you know.  Submissions for the inaugural issue are due Feb. 15.  Until then, feast your eyes on this beautiful jewel beetle from South Africa:

Evides pubiventris, Republic of South Africa

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2010

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An Inordinate Fondness… for Beetles!

When asked by an English cleric what his studies of nature’s diversity had taught him about the Creator, 20th Century British geneticist and noted evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane reportedly quipped, "He has an inordinate fondness for beetles." While there is some uncertainty whether Haldane ever actually spoke these words, no one can argue with their truth.

In fact, nearly half of all insects and one quarter of all described living species are beetles—350,000 and counting. They occur in virtually every habitat imaginable and exhibit innumerable, often brightly colored—even iridescent—and architecturally elaborate forms. Their impacts on humans are also many, not only as pests and beneficial organisms, but also as cultural symbols and objects of passionate scientific and philatelic interest.

An Inordinate Fondness is a celebration of beetles—of their indescribable beauty, amazing forms, and astonishing diversity. We hope you will join us in this celebration every month, as we highlight the best that the blogosphere has to offer on this fascinating group of animals.

The administrator for An Inordinate Fondness is Ted C. MacRae, author of Beetles In The Bush.

Other Nature Blog Carnivals

Circus of the Spineless

The Moth and Me


House of Herps



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