Ash Whiffin
@ashwhiffin.bsky.social
🪲 Entomologist, bonkers about beetles
🏛 Museum Curator
🏴 Usually found turning over logs/stones or poking in dead stuff.
(she/her)
🔗 https://linktr.ee/Ash_Whiffin
🏛 Museum Curator
🏴 Usually found turning over logs/stones or poking in dead stuff.
(she/her)
🔗 https://linktr.ee/Ash_Whiffin
Pinned
Ash Whiffin
@ashwhiffin.bsky.social
· Sep 23
Shhhh 🤫
*whispers* the moth meeting is in progress. They have very serious business to discuss.
*whispers* the moth meeting is in progress. They have very serious business to discuss.
Steven Hammer, one of our regular collection users, co-developed a new #insect pinning block, with staff and volunteers from the museum.
It’s 3D-printed and open source, so you can try it for yourself:
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/...
#ECN2025
It’s 3D-printed and open source, so you can try it for yourself:
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/...
#ECN2025
Entoblock step
An improved pinning block for entomological collections.
It has five steps at different heights for quick and accurate label setting. The steps are visible from both sides, making it suitable for lef...
cults3d.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Steven Hammer, one of our regular collection users, co-developed a new #insect pinning block, with staff and volunteers from the museum.
It’s 3D-printed and open source, so you can try it for yourself:
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/...
#ECN2025
It’s 3D-printed and open source, so you can try it for yourself:
cults3d.com/en/3d-model/...
#ECN2025
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Are you a POC student, early career researcher, or professional entomologist from a country in the Global South?
We are now funding memberships!
Apply from October 1st to December 15th.
More info:
www.entopoc.org/apply.html
Apply:
docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS...
We are now funding memberships!
Apply from October 1st to December 15th.
More info:
www.entopoc.org/apply.html
Apply:
docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS...
October 1, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Are you a POC student, early career researcher, or professional entomologist from a country in the Global South?
We are now funding memberships!
Apply from October 1st to December 15th.
More info:
www.entopoc.org/apply.html
Apply:
docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS...
We are now funding memberships!
Apply from October 1st to December 15th.
More info:
www.entopoc.org/apply.html
Apply:
docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS...
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Original Riker mounts by inventor Clarence Riker held at @denvermuseumns.bsky.social , presented by Genevieve Anderegg! 😍
The cabinets are just as intricate as the insects held within!Though lacking in collection data, lots of educational & natural history research value once imaged!
#ECN2025
The cabinets are just as intricate as the insects held within!Though lacking in collection data, lots of educational & natural history research value once imaged!
#ECN2025
November 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Original Riker mounts by inventor Clarence Riker held at @denvermuseumns.bsky.social , presented by Genevieve Anderegg! 😍
The cabinets are just as intricate as the insects held within!Though lacking in collection data, lots of educational & natural history research value once imaged!
#ECN2025
The cabinets are just as intricate as the insects held within!Though lacking in collection data, lots of educational & natural history research value once imaged!
#ECN2025
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
We're at #ECN2025 in Portland, Oregon!
We're passionate about entomological collections, which is why we published some of last year's ECN in a special topical collection: nhcm.pensoft.net/topical_coll...
Check out the @pensoft.net stand for our latest news!
We're passionate about entomological collections, which is why we published some of last year's ECN in a special topical collection: nhcm.pensoft.net/topical_coll...
Check out the @pensoft.net stand for our latest news!
November 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
We're at #ECN2025 in Portland, Oregon!
We're passionate about entomological collections, which is why we published some of last year's ECN in a special topical collection: nhcm.pensoft.net/topical_coll...
Check out the @pensoft.net stand for our latest news!
We're passionate about entomological collections, which is why we published some of last year's ECN in a special topical collection: nhcm.pensoft.net/topical_coll...
Check out the @pensoft.net stand for our latest news!
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
It's almost the weekend! 🥳
If you're looking for something for you and/or your kids to do, I've recently re-uploaded my arthropod coloring guide 🎨
Please feel free to share, print, and [definitely] have fun with it!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/1V59i...
If you're looking for something for you and/or your kids to do, I've recently re-uploaded my arthropod coloring guide 🎨
Please feel free to share, print, and [definitely] have fun with it!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/1V59i...
November 7, 2025 at 9:59 PM
It's almost the weekend! 🥳
If you're looking for something for you and/or your kids to do, I've recently re-uploaded my arthropod coloring guide 🎨
Please feel free to share, print, and [definitely] have fun with it!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/1V59i...
If you're looking for something for you and/or your kids to do, I've recently re-uploaded my arthropod coloring guide 🎨
Please feel free to share, print, and [definitely] have fun with it!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/1V59i...
If you attended the @entcollnet.bsky.social meeting last year in Phoenix, you may have met some of our youngest attendees, Connor Hsu & Cole Crammer. Here they are with @drfirefly.bsky.social!
They’re now in 11th grade and this year they’re back to deliver their first ever ECN talk! [1/3]
They’re now in 11th grade and this year they’re back to deliver their first ever ECN talk! [1/3]
November 9, 2025 at 1:34 AM
If you attended the @entcollnet.bsky.social meeting last year in Phoenix, you may have met some of our youngest attendees, Connor Hsu & Cole Crammer. Here they are with @drfirefly.bsky.social!
They’re now in 11th grade and this year they’re back to deliver their first ever ECN talk! [1/3]
They’re now in 11th grade and this year they’re back to deliver their first ever ECN talk! [1/3]
How the creation of a school insect collection project, led to the discovery of Amblycheila cylindriformis in Montana…
bioone.org/journals/the...
Marian Kirst reminds us of the value of being a “filthy generalist” and the importance of building strong local connections.
#ECN2025
bioone.org/journals/the...
Marian Kirst reminds us of the value of being a “filthy generalist” and the importance of building strong local connections.
#ECN2025
November 9, 2025 at 1:04 AM
How the creation of a school insect collection project, led to the discovery of Amblycheila cylindriformis in Montana…
bioone.org/journals/the...
Marian Kirst reminds us of the value of being a “filthy generalist” and the importance of building strong local connections.
#ECN2025
bioone.org/journals/the...
Marian Kirst reminds us of the value of being a “filthy generalist” and the importance of building strong local connections.
#ECN2025
🧡 @americanbeetles.bsky.social has really delivered again, with stickers for our meeting.
Behold… the most adorable Rain beetle you have ever seen! 😍
#ECN2025
Behold… the most adorable Rain beetle you have ever seen! 😍
#ECN2025
November 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
🧡 @americanbeetles.bsky.social has really delivered again, with stickers for our meeting.
Behold… the most adorable Rain beetle you have ever seen! 😍
#ECN2025
Behold… the most adorable Rain beetle you have ever seen! 😍
#ECN2025
This was such a fascinating and uplifting story of the evolution of a collection. What Chris has managed to achieve for the Oregon State Arthropod Collection is remarkable. 🥹👏 #ECN2025
Chris Marshall on the history and metamorphosis of OSAC, including a beautiful combination of Delta cabinets and compactors (and homegrown dahlias)
November 8, 2025 at 10:30 PM
This was such a fascinating and uplifting story of the evolution of a collection. What Chris has managed to achieve for the Oregon State Arthropod Collection is remarkable. 🥹👏 #ECN2025
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Next year we will have speed trials for assembling Chris Wirth’s portable focus stacking camera system
November 8, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Next year we will have speed trials for assembling Chris Wirth’s portable focus stacking camera system
Super useful tips & tricks for insect specimen imaging from @andrewjohnston.bsky.social! He shares how to build an affordable focus stacking system on your own.
Handy guide available here:
www.insectid.org/post/focus-s...
#ECN2025 📸 🪲
Handy guide available here:
www.insectid.org/post/focus-s...
#ECN2025 📸 🪲
November 8, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Super useful tips & tricks for insect specimen imaging from @andrewjohnston.bsky.social! He shares how to build an affordable focus stacking system on your own.
Handy guide available here:
www.insectid.org/post/focus-s...
#ECN2025 📸 🪲
Handy guide available here:
www.insectid.org/post/focus-s...
#ECN2025 📸 🪲
This was very impressive! 📸
And our final talk in the AI symposium, Chris Johnson of AMNH talks about her experience in automated imaging and data capture with the GIGAMACRO
November 8, 2025 at 6:04 PM
This was very impressive! 📸
It’s time for #ECN2025 - my favourite annual meeting, entirely focused on #insect collections! This year we’re in Portland, Oregon. 🪲
Follow @entcollnet.bsky.social to keep up with the hot topics of the weekend.
(🤫 Yes, I’m a board member but no I am not biased!)
Follow @entcollnet.bsky.social to keep up with the hot topics of the weekend.
(🤫 Yes, I’m a board member but no I am not biased!)
November 8, 2025 at 5:26 PM
It’s time for #ECN2025 - my favourite annual meeting, entirely focused on #insect collections! This year we’re in Portland, Oregon. 🪲
Follow @entcollnet.bsky.social to keep up with the hot topics of the weekend.
(🤫 Yes, I’m a board member but no I am not biased!)
Follow @entcollnet.bsky.social to keep up with the hot topics of the weekend.
(🤫 Yes, I’m a board member but no I am not biased!)
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Huge welcome to all you lovely folks joining us today, both in-person and online! Great to have so many first-timers!
Let’s get to it, with a welcome from our President @drfirefly.bsky.social!
#ECN2025
Let’s get to it, with a welcome from our President @drfirefly.bsky.social!
#ECN2025
November 8, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Huge welcome to all you lovely folks joining us today, both in-person and online! Great to have so many first-timers!
Let’s get to it, with a welcome from our President @drfirefly.bsky.social!
#ECN2025
Let’s get to it, with a welcome from our President @drfirefly.bsky.social!
#ECN2025
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Great to see nominations here for the wonderful @ashwhiffin.bsky.social and Lauriston farm as well as the great work being done by the Community Engagement team @thebotanics.bsky.social
Have you seen who’s on the shortlist for this year’s #NatureOfScotland Awards? Such a huge mix of brilliant people and projects from all over Scotland, all of whom are making a difference for nature! 👉 buff.ly/oZZUsP4
October 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Great to see nominations here for the wonderful @ashwhiffin.bsky.social and Lauriston farm as well as the great work being done by the Community Engagement team @thebotanics.bsky.social
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Interested in communicating your science to a wider audience? 🔍🐝
Then this is for you!
@royentsoc.bsky.social Outreach Special Interest Group meeting is in beautiful #Edinburgh 22nd Nov
With workshops by @ashwhiffin.bsky.social, the bug farm, TVs Nick Baker & many more 🎉
(& the Xmas markets on!)
Then this is for you!
@royentsoc.bsky.social Outreach Special Interest Group meeting is in beautiful #Edinburgh 22nd Nov
With workshops by @ashwhiffin.bsky.social, the bug farm, TVs Nick Baker & many more 🎉
(& the Xmas markets on!)
November 5, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Interested in communicating your science to a wider audience? 🔍🐝
Then this is for you!
@royentsoc.bsky.social Outreach Special Interest Group meeting is in beautiful #Edinburgh 22nd Nov
With workshops by @ashwhiffin.bsky.social, the bug farm, TVs Nick Baker & many more 🎉
(& the Xmas markets on!)
Then this is for you!
@royentsoc.bsky.social Outreach Special Interest Group meeting is in beautiful #Edinburgh 22nd Nov
With workshops by @ashwhiffin.bsky.social, the bug farm, TVs Nick Baker & many more 🎉
(& the Xmas markets on!)
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Tired of stepping in it? Dung beetles, like this rainbow scarab, evolved to be experts at breaking down dung and evening burying it in the soil! 💩🪲
Discover the many types of dung beetles, why they are in trouble, & how we can help ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/all-abo...
Discover the many types of dung beetles, why they are in trouble, & how we can help ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/all-abo...
All About Dung Beetles and Why They Matter
Dung beetles are a key component of a healthy ecosystem, in both natural and agricultural areas!
xerces.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Tired of stepping in it? Dung beetles, like this rainbow scarab, evolved to be experts at breaking down dung and evening burying it in the soil! 💩🪲
Discover the many types of dung beetles, why they are in trouble, & how we can help ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/all-abo...
Discover the many types of dung beetles, why they are in trouble, & how we can help ⤵️
xerces.org/blog/all-abo...
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
⏰ Abstract deadline extended - join the programme by submitting your research by Friday 24 October 🦋
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Outreach, Culture & Education SIG Event 2025
Submit your abstracts on insect outreach and citizen science for a chance to share your research at the event.
buff.ly
October 20, 2025 at 11:44 AM
⏰ Abstract deadline extended - join the programme by submitting your research by Friday 24 October 🦋
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Lovely to see Ashleigh Whiffin on #GardenersWorld tonight. A very worthy finalist for the Outstanding Contribution award in this year’s #NatureOfScotland Awards! www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
2025 Nature of Scotland Awards Winners and Shortlist
Congratulations to all our finalists! The shortlist for the 2025 awards represents a cross-section of businesses, charities, the public sector and individuals working towards conserving the country’s ...
www.rspb.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Lovely to see Ashleigh Whiffin on #GardenersWorld tonight. A very worthy finalist for the Outstanding Contribution award in this year’s #NatureOfScotland Awards! www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Back in June, we hosted a team from #GardenersWorld to share how we’ve been improving the grounds of the National Museums Collection Centre for biodiversity. 🎬 🐞🪰🌿🌼
Catch it here:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
#NMCCbiodiversity
Catch it here:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
#NMCCbiodiversity
October 4, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Back in June, we hosted a team from #GardenersWorld to share how we’ve been improving the grounds of the National Museums Collection Centre for biodiversity. 🎬 🐞🪰🌿🌼
Catch it here:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
#NMCCbiodiversity
Catch it here:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
#NMCCbiodiversity
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
@ashwhiffin.bsky.social excellent film just now on Gardeners World. Great encouragement to enhance the biodiversity of sites
October 3, 2025 at 7:35 PM
@ashwhiffin.bsky.social excellent film just now on Gardeners World. Great encouragement to enhance the biodiversity of sites
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
Join our call for UK retailers to remove synthetic pesticides from sale, for a wilder, butterfly-filled future 👇
butterflyemergency.good.do/rescue-missi...
butterflyemergency.good.do/rescue-missi...
Join me in supporting the Remove Pesticides from UK Shelves Campaign
Join the Butterfly Rescue Mission
Sign our open letter to UK retailers, asking them to remove synthetic pesticides from sale, for a wilder, butterfly-filled future for generations to come.
The UK ...
butterflyemergency.good.do
September 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Join our call for UK retailers to remove synthetic pesticides from sale, for a wilder, butterfly-filled future 👇
butterflyemergency.good.do/rescue-missi...
butterflyemergency.good.do/rescue-missi...
Reposted by Ash Whiffin
We're pleased that the @parliament.scot Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has backed proposals in the Natural Environment Bill to introduce statutory targets to restore nature.
Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.
Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...
Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.
Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...
October 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
We're pleased that the @parliament.scot Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has backed proposals in the Natural Environment Bill to introduce statutory targets to restore nature.
Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.
Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...
Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.
Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...
You can find out more about our #NMCCbiodiversity work by tuning into Gardeners World this Friday, at 8pm on BBC TWO.
📺 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
📺 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
I really liked this short film with @ashwhiffin.bsky.social talking about the work being done to support biodiversity around the National Museums Scotland collections centre in Edinburgh. www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcsd...
How a museum is encouraging local wildlife
YouTube video by Simon Dures
www.youtube.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:58 PM
You can find out more about our #NMCCbiodiversity work by tuning into Gardeners World this Friday, at 8pm on BBC TWO.
📺 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
📺 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...