On the symbiosis of Entomologists and Hobbits
It is a sad fact that by the time one becomes a formal
entomologist (the “bug”-lovers qualification), one has lost three of the
primary characteristics that enable the discovery of new and varied species of “bugs”.
Firstly and most assuredly you have grown a pair of legs
that puts you way over the desired height for bug spotting. Many insects prefer
the understory and can only be spotted by midgets or the properly trained
primary school student.
Secondly, the enthusiasm (think about that word…Theos
within) in that age group is unparalleled. They love to crawl around in
vigorous undergrowth, and revel in mucky environments that would daunt a
Vietnamese potbelly pig.
And thirdly they the have eyesight of a teenager spotting a
hamburger across a cafeteria swimming in boiled broccoli.
The wise entomologist makes sure they team up with the super
spotters of the kindergarten/primary school variety. Not to do so means missing
out on a myriad of superb discoveries. One of my fourth graders in Madagascar
once found an entirely new species of stick insect in a highland rainforest.
While walking towards my Prado in the parking lot the other
day, my daughter Jemma spotted the long horned beetle shown in the picture, under
the tow bar of the car, at a level that was entirely obscured from my field of
vision. I am not beyond bribery and I still owe her an ice cream.
Hurrah for the hobbits!
