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The Society
The Lepidopterists' Society of Southern Africa was born in 1983 as the Lepidoptera Study Group of Southern Africa. It is an organization not for gain, but to promote both the professional and amateur lepidopterists' interest with the main objective of significantly contributing to the overall knowledge of the diversity, taxonomy, habitats, distribution and life cycles of this fascinating group of insects.
Have a look at the article "Past, present and future" by our current President, as well as the code of conduct which the society follows, and ultimately the membership options that are available.
The past, present and future of LepSoc
The Lepidopterists' Society of Southern Africa was born in 1983 as the Lepidoptera Study Group of Southern Africa. It is an organization not for gain, but to promote both the professional and amateur lepidopterists' interest with the main objective of significantly contributing to the overall knowledge of the diversity, taxonomy, habitats, distribution and life cycles of this fascinating group of insects.
Before 'Lepsoc', South African lepidopterists had not operated entirely alone, but as a series of small groups - separated largely by geography. Communication on such matters as localities and conservation had been sparse and uncoordinated. What the Society largely succeeded in doing was to create a forum where we could all communicate - our Journal, Metamorphosis, was an A4 stapled sheet until December 1990 and was a bit erratic in its publication, but it was eagerly anticipated. Also for the first time, lepidopterists who were members had access to a list of telephone numbers and addresses of fellow 'sufferers'. New friendships began and teams of butterfly and moth collectors began to make rapid, long distance trips to many prized localities. New discoveries were made and
Code of Conduct
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Lepsoc affirms that collecting Lepidoptera is one of many legitimate activities enabling professional and amateur lepidopterists to further the scientifically sound and progressive study of Lepidoptera and education about Lepidoptera as well as encouraging interaction between professional and amateur lepidopterists.
This Lepsoc statement is supported by the following code of conduct and collecting guidelines that set out the manner in which collecting should be conducted. Lepsoc members agree to adopt these guidelines and to use the guidelines for the instruction of others.
Membership fees
Membership of the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa is open to all that has an interest in African butterflies and moths. There is no geographical limit but membership fees are linked to geographical position due to postage and currency exchange rates.
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SABCA
SABCA (South African Butterfly Conservation Assessment). Read more about this exciting project under Conservation -> SABCA
Red Data Book
The society is currently working on a revised edition of the Red Data Book on South African Butterflies. It will be published by SANBI, but will only be available in the near future.
Public Awareness
One of LepSoc's and SABCA's goals is to increase public awareness about butterflies, using the virtual museum! In the VM members of the public can send in photographs for an expert panel to ID. For more information, click here!
