Abstract

In this paper, I examine records of butterfly and moth specimens collected between 1881 and 1955 which are housed in the Natural History Museum (formerly the British Museum [Natural History]) along with associated correspondence to better understand the influence of outside collectors on the growth of the British Lepidoptera collection. A wide variety of collectors and correspondents contributed specimens to the Museum, and many who contributed specimens were also in contact with members of staff, especially lepidopterists Norman Riley and ‘Tiger’ Tams.

Through this case study, I demonstrate the utility of digitized museum specimen data in historical research when combined with archival materials, especially using quantitative methods. These two types of sources provide a better picture of the growth of the collection and the people involved than either source on its own. Combining sources also makes it possible to examine the influence of informal communication on specimen acquisition at the Museum. Letters provide examples of attempts by staff members to steer outside collecting to the benefit of the Museum, especially in efforts to create a ‘complete’ national collection of butterflies and moths from the British Isles. In particular, I examine the spatial distribution of both specimens and correspondents to identify inconsistencies and biases in collecting.