 Specimens
"Doesn't it both you, taking life?" That was my wife's
question recently as I was working on some specimens. Funny
question from her, a professor of medicine. Yeah, it does
bother me. I don't like doing it and don't do it lightly, but
I also recognize a need for properly cared for specimens in a field
as little known as odonatology.
This will not be a sermon convincing anyone that they personally
should collect bugs. Many people don't want to, don't like the
idea, or just don't want to be bothered. I have friends that
feel it is improper to even catch a critter to examine it. We
at NJOS understand and respect those personal opinions. And we
encourage just plain old observation; as Yogi said "You can observe
a lot by just looking."
But we also believe the judicious collection of selected
specimens is necessary. In-depth study of odonates is still
only beginning. New species are regularly being described,
ranges and ecological niches being defined. The only way this
work can be accomplished is through the use of properly cared for
collections of specimens. Additionally, dragonfly and
damselfly identification is in its infancy. I know of several
instances when specimens, purportedly of a rare species or a new
geographic record, turned out to be something else entirely when the
specimen was critically examined. (Heck, I committed at least
one of those errors, but I've paid Allen not to talk about it.)
As mentioned in our "mission statement" the primary function of
the NJOS is the collection of scientific data and the furtherance of
scientific knowledge. In many situations, this requires
specimens, and when needed, we collect them and make no apology.
This does not mean that we don't enjoy watching dragons fly, and
that we wish to belittle those who personally object to collecting.
Our position on collecting also carries a responsibility.
If you are going to take a bug's life, you have an obligation to
make sure that the specimen serves a useful purpose and is properly
cared for. We do not endorse collecting for the sake of
building up a pile of dead bugs in the basement and I hope the days
of wanting to have a dusty case of pinned critters with their wings
falling off are gone.
Especially in the case of uncommon odes, we take this so far as
to believe that if you capture one to photograph, you have an
obligation to release it where you caught it. These guys need
all the protection we can give them.
So, if you don't want to collect, or even practice catch and
release identification, we understand, and will encourage you in
your hobby. But please understand that there will be bugs you
cannot identify. And also be aware that while we do understand
the need for specimens, we don't enjoy taking any life
unnecessarily.
The NJOS Collection
The NJOS is always happy to receive significant voucher specimens
of New Jersey odonates. If you do have interesting specimens
and don't want the hassle of caring properly for them, contact us.
It is our goal to build up a definitive collection of NJ odes.
Several of us in the NJOS are willing to collect but don't want to
become museum curators; we have chosen to pass our specimens on to
Allen.
Ok, it really is Allen Barlow's collection, but since he is
NJOS's data coordinator, we use the terms interchangeably.
Allen maintains a well curated collection, not a bunch of dusty
boxes in his basement. I have spent a fair amount of time in
museum collections, and his is as well or better maintained than
many. The collection is growing steadily, including vouchers
for many of the county records and additional specimens of
questionable groups and species. If you have a legitimate
research question, contact Allen; he will try to make time available
for examination of study material.
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