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the web of life in southern Africa

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Hesse, Albert John (1895-1987)

Resident entomologist at the South African Museum from 1924-1974. Expert on bee flies (Bombyliidae) and mydid flies. 

In his later years, working at his desk at the South African Museum.

Date

Age

Event

4 Nov 1895

0

Born in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

1904-1909

 

At school in Potchefstroom.

1909-1913

 

At school in Wellington.

1914

 

Went to South African College School, Cape Town.

1915

 

Matriculated from Boys' High School, Stellenbosch.

1916

 

Started university study at South African College (now University of Cape Town).

1917

 

Continued his studies at Transvaal University College, Pretoria, majoring in Chemistry, Zoology and Geology.

1918

 

Obtained B.Sc honours degree.

1922

 

Obtained Ph.D degree in Zoology and Parasitology from Edinburgh University. Continued with research in parasitology.

1924

 

Accepted the post of entomologist at the South African Museum. During his long period of service at the South African Museum he went on field trips to South West Africa (the Kaokoland Expeditions), western and eastern Cape and his favourite area for collecting, the karoo.

1974

 

Retired from the South African Museum, completing 51 years of service.

11 Nov 1987

92

Died at 'Herfsjare' old age home in Somerset West.

Publications

  • J. ent. Soc. sth. Afr. (1989) 52: 333-336. 

Text by Hamish Robertson