Asa Fitch and the emergence of American entomology : with an entomological bibliography and a catalog of taxonomic names and type specimens

Abstract

Scudiere and E. H. Smith. New combinations and new se¬ nior synonyms were provided by R. J. Gagne (Cecidomyia grossulariae and C. thoracica), R. D. Gordon (Valgus serricollis),J. M. Kingsolver (Bruchus fabae), and T. L. McCabe (At¬ tain aurea and Geometra(l) siccifolia). The task of entering the manuscript on word processor diskettes was ably, effi¬ ciently, and cheerfully performed by two dedicated secre¬ taries, Cheryl Tribley and Gayle Femminella. Cover photo¬

Adventive (Non‐Native) Insects: Importance to Science and Society

“…As humans altered ancient relationships between plants and insects, they unwittingly ushered in an era of immigrant pests (Dethier 1976). In roughly 200 years, a 'new ecology' had been created, setting the stage for damage by native insects and the entry of additional European species (Barnes 1988). The slow accumulation of immigrant insects, lasting until about 1860 (Sailer 1978), gave way to a 'continuous, persistent procession' of immigrants (Herrick 1929).…”

History of Ecological Sciences, Part 45: Ecological Aspects of Entomology During the 1800s

“…But in 1855, Fitch (on whom, see below) began publishing his annual reports on New York insect pests, also organized by crops. Furthermore, in 1858, botany professor John Lindley praised Fitch's style and organization and urged Curtis to follow his example (Barnes 1988:60). Curtis' Farm Insects , with 16 color plates, 69 woodcuts, and a 524‐page text, emphasized the importance of correct identification of insects in order to know the pests, their parasites, and predators.…”

“…New York appointed the first state entomologist, Asa Fitch (1809–1879), in 1854 (Howard 1930:43–50, Essig 1931:632–634, Mallis 1971:37–43, Rezneck 1972, Barnes 1988, 1999, Sorensen 1995:71–72, Palladino 1996:23–24, Sterling 1997 b ). He was born in Salem, New York, north of Albany, and lived all his life there on his family farm.…”

“…However, he found time to practice medicine, run the family farm, and study insects. The New York State Agricultural Society was formed in 1832, and many of Fitch's more than 140 publications were in its Transactions (his bibliography is in Barnes 1988:76–82). His most important publications were 14 annual “Reports on the Noxious, Beneficial, and Other Insects of the State of New York” (1855–1872).…”

“…These reports were so popular the state legislature often reprinted them, and they became a model for other states and were highly valued in Europe. In 1858 he was awarded a gold medal by the French Section of Natural History of the Imperial and Central Society of Agriculture, and he was elected a corresponding member of entomological societies in Philadelphia, Germany, and Russia (Barnes 1988:60). He occasionally lectured on entomology at his alma mater, Rensselaer School (now Rensselaer Polytechic Institute).…”