A history of the discovery and study of Plecoptera (stoneflies) in Britain and Ireland (1769–1970s)

Abstract

This essay explores the history of the discovery and study of Plecoptera (stoneflies) in Britain and Ireland from 1769 to the 1970s. Britain (35 species) and Ireland (19 species) have a depauperate representation of this insect group compared to continental Europe but they form an important component of freshwater ecosystems on both islands. Species discovery began in the eighteenth century and led to extensive specimen collecting in the 1800s and early 1900s. This was followed by a period of classification and consolidation of species, genera and families through the mid-twentieth century which eventually led to more detailed studies of stonefly ecology in the mid- to late 1900s. The entomologists involved are detailed along with how their works and interests played a significant role in shaping knowledge about British and Irish stoneflies. This essay also touches on many other prominent entomologists and their collections, studies and publications that have helped progress understanding of this insect order over the past two centuries.