Irish naturalist Arthur W. Stelfox makes identifying insects seem romantic. He describes “fine” and “joyous” mornings and relaxing lunches near bridges and sand dunes. And then Stelfox dives right into noting the Hymenoptera species he observes, which is arguably less romantic, but crucial to the field. In this 1937-38 field book, the naturalist travels to Wexford and Kinlough, among other destinations in Ireland. Included in this field book are his very detailed notes of the species he observed, actual specimens taped inside, and some very challenging handwriting. Come for the insects. Stay for the comradery of transcribing difficult penmanship and making Stelfox’s work more accessible with your fellow volunpeers!
Irish naturalist Arthur W. Stelfox makes identifying insects seem romantic. He describes “fine” and “joyous” mornings and relaxing lunches near bridges and sand dunes. And then Stelfox dives right into noting the Hymenoptera species he observes, which is arguably less romantic, but crucial to the field. In this 1937-38 field book, the naturalist travels to Wexford and Kinlough, among other destinations in Ireland. Included in this field book are his very detailed notes of the species he observed, actual specimens taped inside, and some very challenging handwriting. Come for the insects. Stay for the comradery of transcribing difficult penmanship and making Stelfox’s work more accessible with your fellow volunpeers!
For more background on this field book, explore the Arthur Wilson Stelfox Papers finding aid, and for a little help on that handwriting, click through past Stelfox projects that have been transcribed. Not the most familiar with bee binomials? One of our volunpeers created a helpful resource for you!