Category Archives: People

People stories.

An alluring auction

The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M is offering 20 lots of fly fishing supplies on auction this month.  The occasion of the sale is a sad one for all of us in the department, as the fly-tying supplies remained after the passing away of long-time Extension entomologist, Dr. John Jackman.  Dr. Jackman offered a class at Texas A&M on fly tying–the only entomology class that I am aware of that was ever cross-listed with the Art Department. John saw fly tying as an exciting blend of art… Read More →

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Car Talk adds wildlife (including insects) section

Any of you who find yourself out driving around on a Saturday morning, and have happened to tune into an NPR station, have probably heard the radio show Car Talk.  Who would have guessed that two goofy brothers answering car maintenance questions on the radio would have been successful?  I wouldn’t.  Yet they’ve become an enormous hit, at least among NPR listeners with cars over a certain age. The Car Talk brothers usually make me laugh.  So I was pleasantly surprised a few months ago when I got… Read More →

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Bugguide.net innovator profiled

One of the links we include in the Insect Identification Help page is BugGuide.net.  This is a great site for insect identification and networking with knowledgeable entomologists willing to help anyone get an insect identified. I use it a lot and direct insect enthusiasts there frequently.  Until now, however, I didn’t know a lot about how the site came to be. A recent story from Iowa State University profiles one of the developers of the site, ISU systems analyst  John VanDyk.  Turns out that not only is John… Read More →

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Aggie beetle freak

Trying to think of a catchy, but apt, headline that would describe Ed Riley is a little difficult.  But “beetle freak” comes close… in the best sense of the word “freak” of course.  Ed is the associate curator of the Department of Entomology’s insect museum, and if anyone truly loves beetles, it’s Ed. Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine just did a very nice article about Ed in the June edition.  To see an online version, click here.  I understand from Mike Quinn, who took pictures for the story,… Read More →

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