Jack Gilbert Henry Lyman was a Canadian entomologist, born on December 7, 1879, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is best known for his work on the classification and biology of insects, particularly in the field of systematic entomology. Lyman's contributions to the field of entomology are still recognized today, and his work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of insect diversity and ecology.
Early Life and Education
Lyman grew up in a family of modest means and was educated at the Halifax Academy and later at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1901. During his time at university, Lyman developed a strong interest in entomology and began to collect and study insects in his spare time. After completing his undergraduate degree, Lyman went on to earn his Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1902.
Career and Research
Lyman’s career in entomology spanned over four decades and was marked by numerous significant contributions to the field. In 1904, he was appointed as a curator of entomology at the Macdonald College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. During his time at Macdonald College, Lyman worked on the classification and biology of various insect groups, including Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. He also developed a strong interest in the biological control of insect pests and conducted research on the use of natural enemies to control insect populations.
| Year | Publication | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Revision of the Canadian Species of the Genus Carabus | A comprehensive revision of the Canadian species of the genus Carabus, a group of ground beetles. |
| 1914 | The Insect Fauna of the Canadian Prairies | A detailed study of the insect fauna of the Canadian prairies, including descriptions of new species and notes on their biology and ecology. |
Legacy and Impact
Lyman’s contributions to the field of entomology have had a lasting impact on our understanding of insect diversity and ecology. He was a founding member of the Entomological Society of Canada and served as its president from 1924 to 1925. Lyman was also a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was awarded the Flavelle Medal in 1932 for his outstanding contributions to science.
Awards and Honors
Lyman’s work was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Flavelle Medal and the Centenary Medal of the Royal Society of Canada. He was also awarded an honorary degree from the University of Toronto in 1942.
- Flavelle Medal (1932)
- Centenary Medal of the Royal Society of Canada (1932)
- Honorary degree from the University of Toronto (1942)
What was Jack Gilbert Henry Lyman’s most significant contribution to the field of entomology?
+Lyman’s most significant contribution to the field of entomology was his work on the classification and biology of insects, particularly in the field of systematic entomology. His research on the biological control of insect pests also laid the foundation for the development of integrated pest management strategies that are still used today.
What awards and honors did Lyman receive for his contributions to entomology?
+Lyman received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to entomology, including the Flavelle Medal, the Centenary Medal of the Royal Society of Canada, and an honorary degree from the University of Toronto.
