| Checklist of the Collembola: In Memoriam: Steve Hopkin |
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of our fellow collembologist, Steve Hopkin. Steve died in a car accident in Cornwall, England, where he had recently moved with his wife, Ailsa, for a change of scenery after his distinguished career at the University of Reading.
Although this happened in May, I think many of you may not be aware of the sad news.
Steve's contribution to invertebrate ecology, zoology and ecotoxicology was outstanding and his enthusiasm for little creepy things (as well a big ones) was unparalleled. He literally put Collembola on the map, and has done the same for spiders, millipedes, woodlice and centipedes. Thanks to Steve, more people than ever before have become interested, and knowledgeable, in our soil biodiversity. A quote from the latest issue of British Wildlife, where Steve had recently published an article on centipedes, is very apt: "He had a rare ability to write lucidly about often neglected groups of invertebrates... and British natural history has sadly lost a first-rate communicator and advocate".
Steve will be greatly missed, not only as an inspirational colleague but also as a good personal friend to many of us. And he produced incredible photographs too, for which he has become an household name.
Obviously I can't do justification to Steve's achievements in a short note, but Steve's legacy will live on in his work, which is everywhere to be seen.
I am sure you will join with me in expressing our gratitude for Steve's tireless efforts and enthusiasm in his work, our great sadness in his untimely passing, and our condolences to his family.
June 26, 2006,
Dr Geoff Frampton
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Group
School of Biological Sciences
University of Southampton SO16 7PX, UK