| Description | This series consists largely of the research correspondence, files and artwork of Theresa R Clay, and Peter Nolan Lawrence.
It also contains the correspondence of Richard S Balter, a zoologist and ornithologist, who corresponded extensively with Theresa R Clay (amongst other scientists and institutions) but perhaps in a capacity of personal interest/expertise. Balter was associated with the University of Nottingham, but it is not clear if this was a student or lecturer. At some point after 1980 his correspondence was added to the Neuropteroid Section's filing scheme and has been included here in DF ENT/335/4 as a sub series of Theresa Rachel Clay's archive. |
| AdminHistory | The "Neuropteroid" Section originally included all insects covered by the Linnean term Neuroptera, together with the Apterygota. W F Kirby was in charge of the collections until his retirement in 1909, being succeeded by Bruce Cummings from 1912 until his retirement due to ill health in 1917. Douglas E Kimmins and Martin E Moseley were employed part-time to work on the groups during the 1930s and 1940s, and Miss Longfield and Theresa R Clay worked voluntarily on the Odonata and Mallophaga respectively. The section was broken up when Theresa Clay was taken onto the staff in 1949 to take charge of the Mallophaga, Anoplura and Apterygota, and when responsibility for the Isoptera was transferred to the Commonwealth Office's Termite Research Unit under W V Harris in 1953. Kimmins was left looking after the remaining "Neuropteroid" groups. Lawrence was appointed in 1950, and began systematic work on the Collembola in 1954. In 1970 there were three sections: Isoptera, administered by the Termite Research Unit; Phthiraptera and Apterygota, comprising the bird and mammal lice, spring tails and other wingless insects, led by Theresa Clay; and Neuroptera, comprising lacewings, dragonflies etc, led by Kimmins.
|