Prague Entomological fair

An unusually quiet moment in the main hall at the Prague Entomological Fair.

Twice a year in Prague, there is a two day entomological fair; this is one of largest gatherings of non-academic entomologists in the world. 

The fair is in March and October and up until this year was held at Národní dům; The National House of Vinohrady. This year, Amoret Spooner and Darren Mann attended on behalf of the HEC. Amoret reports below:

"We left a damp and cold Oxford at 2.30am on Saturday 6^th October and arrived in a sunny and warm Prague right in time for the start of the show. For the major part of day one we were engaged in dealing with loans, both outgoing and incoming. We met with numerous borrowers and handed over some 414 specimens, including 22 type specimens that were required by researchers from around Europe. As well as loaning HEC specimens, we also received a few hundred specimens as gifts and through exchange. 

The show itself is full of insect collectors both selling and exchanging specimens. There was a wide range of insects available; however it was dominated by Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Coleoptera (beetles). It was very easy to get swept up in the excitement. Over the two days I was there, I ended up buying around 50 beetles for my collection and I lost count of the amount Darren bought! 

Amoret and some the many boxes of insects that were bought back from the show.

Overall, the show seemed to be a great success and proved to be both enjoyable and rewarding. Not only in getting HEC material out to researchers and seeing the specimens that were on offer, but it was also a good opportunity to catch up with friends and meet people with the same interest. I was fortunate enough to meet and get advice from one of the key researchers in histerid beetles, which is the family of beetles I am interested in."

 For details of the 2013 entomological fairs, see below.