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About us
The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) became the emblem of the Amateur Entomologists' Society in 1939.
The Amateur Entomologists' Society, founded in 1935, is a registered charity run by volunteers for those with an interest in insects (entomology). Many members also have a wider interest in natural history in general.
Our objective is to promote the study of entomology, especially amongst amateurs and young people.
We publish The Bulletin, Invertebrate Conservation News, the bi-monthly peer-reviewed journal, Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation and a magazine for our younger members, the Bug Club Magazine. We also issue a monthly email newsletter, where members can buy, sell or exchange entomological material. Members are encouraged to send articles and observations to the Society for publication in the journals.
We have access to experts in most insect orders who are able to provide help with insect identification. As a member we can put you in touch with these experts, please see identification services for AES members.
The AES runs an Annual Exhibition and Trade Fair near London. The exhibition is the perfect place to buy entomological books, equipment or talk to like-minded individuals. Members are also encouraged to provide exhibits for the exhibition and those doing so may eligible for an award. Field meetings are held by study groups and by local groups of members. The Society holds its Annual General Meeting every spring.
The Society also endeavours to ensure that the needs of insects and other invertebrates are considered when legislation is being proposed or reviewed. The ubiquitous nature of invertebrates means that many of them are important indicator species of the health and diversity of our flora and fauna. It is imperative that we take steps now to encourage young to value the countryside, thereby creating the spokespeople of the future. Not only is entomology easily accessible and great fun, the pursuit of it also offers the prospect of a long term benefit for the countryside as a whole.
The Society also publishes a range of handbooks, leaflets and pamplets covering a range of different topics from Habitat Conservation for Insects to Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-insects.