An Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand (ePub)

William Miles Maskell (1839-1898) was a respected entomologist, primarily self-taught, who made significant contributions to the study of insects, particularly in the context of New Zealand's agriculture and ecology. Born in England, he migrated to New Zealand in the 1860s, where he took up farming and developed an interest in the local insect fauna. His dedication to the field led to the compilation of his most noted work, 'An Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand' (1887), which remains a seminal reference for entomologists and biologists interested in the region's insect pests and their impact on agriculture. Maskell was particularly known for his meticulous observations and the classification of scale insects (Coccoidea), where his studies laid foundational knowledge for managing such pests in New Zealand. His contributions extended beyond agriculture, with findings relevant to the broader understanding of New Zealand's unique biodiversity. Maskell's articulate and methodical approach to documenting insects was embraced by both the scientific community and practical agriculturists, bridging the gap between scientific research and its application in farming. His works have been cited in subsequent entomological literature, reflecting the enduring impact of his early contributions to the biological sciences in New Zealand.