Neal Evenhuis: The Entomologist Blending Science and Humor
In the rigorous world of entomology—the scientific study of insects—precision and formality are usually the gold standards. However, Neal Luit Evenhuis has carved out a unique legacy by combining high-level scientific achievement with a playful sense of wit. Based at the Bishop Museum in Hawaii, Evenhuis is a prolific researcher who has significantly expanded our understanding of insect biodiversity while challenging the staid traditions of biological naming.
Key Facts
- Profession: American entomologist at the Bishop Museum.
- Major Achievement: Described over 800 species of insects since 1976.
- Publications: Authored more than 700 scientific publications.
- Specializations: Focuses on the families Bombyliidae and Mythicomyiidae.
- Award: Recipient of the Thomas Say Award from the Entomological Society of America (1992).
- Leadership: Former president of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
Education and Professional Journey
Born Kornelus Luit Evenhuis on April 16, 1952, in Upland, California, to Dutch immigrants, Evenhuis developed an early interest in the natural world. He began his academic journey at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Entomology in 1974.
His career at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum began in 1976 as a scientific illustrator. While working, he continued his education, earning a Master's degree in Biology in 1978. This foundation allowed him to transition into active research, specifically focusing on the taxonomy (the science of naming, defining, and classifying organisms) of Pacific flies.
Evenhuis further solidified his expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1988. This qualification led to his promotion to full Entomologist, enabling him to produce a vast body of work including over 700 publications. Beyond his research, he is a passionate advocate for environmental education, campaigning to teach school children how to distinguish native species from alien (non-native) species.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Art of Taxonomy Humor
While his scientific contributions are immense, Evenhuis is perhaps most famous in the entomological community for his creative approach to binomial nomenclature—the formal system of naming species using two parts (genus and species). He often uses puns and cultural references to name the insects he discovers.
Puns and Wordplay
In 1985, Evenhuis named a species of bombyliid fly Phthiria relativitae, a play on the theory of relativity. To avoid potential criticism from English-speaking peers and ensure the name was accepted, he strategically submitted the description to a Polish scientific journal.
Culinary and Pop Culture References
His naming creativity peaked in 2002 with a series of names in the genus Pieza, including Pieza kake ("piece of cake"), Pieza pi ("pizza pie"), Pieza rhea ("pizzeria"), and Pieza deresistans ("pièce de résistance"). He also named Reissa roni after the Rice-A-Roni food product and Carmenelectra, a genus of extinct mythicomyiids, after model Carmen Electra.
More recently, in 2013, he described Campsicnemus popeye, a fly from French Polynesia named for its swollen forearms, which resemble the cartoon character Popeye.
Beyond the Laboratory
Evenhuis's talents extend beyond the microscope. He is an accomplished athlete in flying disc sports. On May 12, 1980, he set a record for the gridiron mini field goal distance, a record he held for two decades.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Degrees | B.S. (Botany/Entomology), M.S. (Biology), Ph.D. (Entomology) |
| Primary Institution | Bishop Museum, Hawaii |
| Species Described | 800+ |
| Key Specializations | Bombyliidae, Mythicomyiidae, Dipterology |
| Notable Award | Thomas Say Award (1992) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neal Evenhuis known for in the scientific community?
He is recognized for describing over 800 insect species, his extensive work on Pacific flies, and his leadership as a former president of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
Why does Evenhuis use humorous names for insects?
Evenhuis uses puns and cultural references in binomial nomenclature to bring a sense of humor to the field of entomology, often creating names that are wordplays on food, celebrities, or pop culture.
Which insect families are his primary focus?
He specializes in the families Bombyliidae (bee flies) and Mythicomyiidae (mythicomyiid flies).
What is the Thomas Say Award?
The Thomas Say Award is a prestigious honor granted by the Entomological Society of America to recognize outstanding research in entomology.
Does he have any achievements outside of science?
Yes, he held a 20-year record for the gridiron mini field goal distance in flying disc games, set in 1980.