Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Bug Rooms

There seems to be a new trend in the world of entomologists: “bug rooms.” A bug room is where an entomologist keeps his private collection, with space for curatorial work, bookshelves for keys and other references, and room left over for entertaining guests.

The weekend of March 7 and 8, Margarethe Brummermann and myself were privileged to be welcomed to the bug room of Pat Sullivan in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Here he is with Margarethe in just a portion of his spacious museum.

Besides a meticulously curated pinned collection of mostly scarab beetles, Pat has a number of live reptiles in terraria. Those snakes are a testament to the fact that he gives a great deal of care to living organisms, too. It was a real delight to share Pat’s enthusiasm for nature in general, and to relax outside of my own apartment (almost all of which, save the kitchen and bath, qualifies as a “bug room” by now). Thanks also go to Pat’s wife, Lisa Lee, who provided additional hospitality. Pat let me put some names on some of his beautifully prepared wasp and bee specimens, which was the least I could do in exchange for the wonderful accommodations. Thanks again Pat and Lisa.

5 comments:

  1. I love "Bug Rooms" photos!

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  2. Oh....I so gotta build a Bug Room!!!!!
    Sweet!

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  3. Every bug lovers dream....my specimens are taking over the house and pushing my husband out, at least that's what he says. I hope he doesn't ask me choose.

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  4. My "bug room" (and "bird room") is my blog! Every insect, bird, etc. is documented on the sidebars (my "lifelists") and everything is supported by a photo.

    But having an actual "bug room" would be pretty nice!

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  5. I sort of have a small area for my preserved specimens on a small shelf. looking forward to buying a preserved dung beetle one of these days sense those were the original Egyptian scarab beetles according to the net. and i sort of like Egyptian things.

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