The Amateur Entomologists’ Society, founded in 1935, is a registered charity run by volunteers for those with an interest specifically in entomology and natural history in general.
Our objective is to promote the study of entomology, especially amongst amateurs and young people.
The society produces four publications for members – our high-quality house journal the AES Bulletin, the peer-reviewed journal the Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation, the Bug Club Magazine for younger members, and Invertebrate Conservation News, a review of insect conservation information.
We run an Annual Exhibition and Trade Fair at Kempton Park Racecourse. 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. Field meetings are held by Study groups and by local groups of members. The Society holds its Annual General Meeting every spring in London.
The Society also endeavours to ensure that the needs of 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 people 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 books covering a range of topics from ‘Practical Hints for the Field Lepidopterist’ to ‘Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf-insects’. We also publish books aimed at young people with an interest in entomology.