I had already considered cancelling my membership because it’s my most expensive subscription (£44) and I do not feel I get much for my money. Whilst RES membership offers more than just their journal Antenna, I do not use the library which is no longer in London, nor do I attend many of their lectures of meetings.

I am not alone in my feelings toward the pricing of RES membership. Many of the young working entomologists, amateurs and enthusiasts will not subscribe because of the price. As the stated aim of the RES is,

“The improvement and diffusion of entomological Science”

Lowering prices and having a greater online presence would make RES more accessible. If RES starting giving access to more e-resources (PDFs of Antenna and journal access) for a reasonable cost, I would resubscribe. Currently, I feel that the £44 would be much better spent on a decent entomological book, or three years membership of another entomolgical society.

Most of the discounted books are for Diptera but they also had some on aphids and sawflies. The handbook list can be found on the RES publications page.

The Local reports that a new species of longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) has been confirmed in Sweden. The new species, Leiopus linnei, is very similar to L. nebulosus but DNA barcoding combined with the examination of male genetalia and female spermathecae support its establishment as a separate species. The original article was published in Zootaxa.

Description: Applications of atmospheric science are relevant to a range of themes within science and society; application to entomology is the main focus of this meeting. The talks are designed to appeal to the broader scientific community by showcasing the areas of science that touch both disciplines. The audience will hear about exciting topics within weather and climate change, how they are applied to entomological science, and how insects can be used to advance atmospheric science.

For more information go to the RES meetings page or check the schedule.

“Fly smell – function and evolution of the Drosophila olfactory system in a natural setting”.

See the Royal Entomological Society website for more details.

Registrations due in by 19 December 2008.

See the Royal Entomological Society website for more details.

“This meeting will consist of a programme of short presentations, poster presentations are also welcome. Confirmed speakers are Dave Goulson, Pat Wilmer, Graham Stone, Jane Stout, Lars Chittka, Francis Gilbert, Matt Heard, Juliet Osborne, Anita Diaz, Andrew Bourke and Jeff Ollerton.”

See the Royal Entomological Society website for more details.