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February 19, 2011 • 10:55 AM 1

AIF #13 at The Dispersal of Darwin

Old book plus beetle specimen

It’s the weekend, and what better use of your leisure time than reading AIF #13, compiled by Michael Barton at The Dispersal of Darwin. An appropriate month for Michael to host this issue, as February is the birth month of Charles Darwin – supreme hero to evolutionists and coleopterists alike! Sprinkled amongst captivating Darwin-related imagery (“old book plus beetle specimen” – above – is my favorite) are links to a record 32 posts dealing with beetles and their aficionados, including a cautionary note about biologists who have died in the line of pursuit. No way you won’t find this issue interesting!

The March issue of AIF will be hosted by Susannah at Wanderin’ Weeta. Submit your best beetle post (or two or three!) from the past month to her by email, or you can use this handy submission form if you prefer. Submission deadline is March 15, and the issue will appear 2-3 days afterward. I’d also like to encourage you to think about hosting a future issue – hosting is a great way to bring traffic to your site and maybe pick up some new regular readers. If you’re interested leave a comment or send me an email and let me know which month you wish to host – slots are available starting with the June issue.

Filed under: Blog Carnival, Scarabaeidae, An Inordinate Fondness, beetles, blog carnivals, Charles Darwin

#16 May '11: Dave Hubble's Ecology Spot
#15 Apr '11: The Dragonfly Woman
#14 Mar '11: Wanderin' Weeta
#13 Feb '11: The Dispersal of Darwin
#12 Jan '11: Bug Girl's Blog
#11 Dec '10: The Bug Whisperer
#10 Nov '10: Coleopterists Corner
#9 Oct '10: Beetles in the Bush
#8 Sep '10: Arthropoda
#7 Aug '10: Salagubang
#6 July '10: Insect Art
#5 June '10: the Marvelous in nature
#4 May '10: xenogere
#3 Apr '10: Fall to Climb
#2 Mar '10: Birder’s Lounge
#1 Feb '10: An Inordinate Fondness

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An Inordinate Fondness… for Beetles!

When asked by an English cleric what his studies of nature’s diversity had taught him about the Creator, 20^th Century British geneticist and noted evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane reportedly quipped, "He has an inordinate fondness for beetles." While there is some uncertainty whether Haldane ever actually spoke these words, no one can argue with their truth.

In fact, nearly half of all insects and one quarter of all described living species are beetles—350,000 and counting. They occur in virtually every habitat imaginable and exhibit innumerable, often brightly colored—even iridescent—and architecturally elaborate forms. Their impacts on humans are also many, not only as pests and beneficial organisms, but also as cultural symbols and objects of passionate scientific and philatelic interest.

An Inordinate Fondness is a celebration of beetles—of their indescribable beauty, amazing forms, and astonishing diversity. We hope you will join us in this celebration every month, as we highlight the best that the blogosphere has to offer on this fascinating group of animals.

The administrator for An Inordinate Fondness is Ted C. MacRae, author of Beetles In The Bush.