1st Meeting of Philippine Coleopterological Network produces journal on Philippine beetle species
Researchers, scientists, and conservation advocates for Philippine beetle species gathered together for the first time as a collective under the Philippine Coleopterological Network (PhilColNet) last April 25 at the University of Mindanao Matina campus.
Apart from forming an official collective of coleopterologists in the country, the meeting also produced the Tropical Journal of Coleopterology, a scientific journal focusing on Philippine beetles, which is the first of its kind in the country.
The university spearheaded the initiative as it has the first coleoptera-specific research center in the country.
Last year, the university’s research team in September dedicated its newly discovered Philippine beetle specie to UM president and chief executive officer Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr, dubbing the beetle Metapocyrtus willietorresi, alluding to Dr. Torres’ nickname.
The event is also in partnership with research personnel from Daugavpils University in Latvia, Europe; with Daugavpils Vice Rector for Research Dr. Arvids Barsevskis also present to not only conduct discussion for the plenary sessions, but short courses as well for the participants in Basic Taxonomy, and Beetle Collection Protocols and Preservation.
