Riek, Edgar (1920 - 2016)

Summary

Edgar Riek was an entomologist who began his career in the field of biological control but moved to taxonomy because of the need for accurate identification before control programs were effective. His taxonomic research ranged over several orders of insects and he contributed nine of the 30 chapters in Insects of Australia (CSIRO 1970). In 1963 he published the first pocket guide to Australia's insect fauna, with another three editions issued to 1975. Riek also studied fossil insects as a means of understanding the evolutionary origins of insects. In 1973 he wrote on a Carboniferous megasecopteran insect from Tasmania, the oldest Australian insect discovered to date. His publications in this field earned him a DSc from the University of Queensland. The Australian National Insect Collection includes thousands of specimens collected by Riek. In Australian limnological circles he is remembered for his taxonomic work on mayflies, stoneflies and decapod crustaceans, and as a pioneer in the study of Australian freshwater crayfish. The genera Riekiella (Diptera), Riekisura (Hymenoptera) and Riekia (Hymenoptera) and many species were named in his honour. In retirement he became a noted figure in the Australian wine industry.

Details

Chronology

1939 -

Career position - Member, Entomological Society of Queensland

1939 - 1943

Career position - Laboratory Assistant, Department of Geology, University of Queensland

1943 - 1945

Career position - Demonstrator in Zoology, University of Queensland

1944

Career position - Secretary, Entomological Society of Queensland

1944

Education - Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Queensland

1945 - 1949

Career position - Assistant Research Officer, CSIRO Division of Economic Entomology

1946

Education - Master of Science (MSc), University of Queensland

1950 - 1978

Career position - Assistant Research Officer (later Principal Research Scientist), CSIRO Division of Entomology

1961

Career position - Foundation Member, Australian Society for Limnology

1971

Education - Doctor of Science (DSc), University of Queensland

1977

Award - Perkins Memorial Lecturer, Entomological Society of Queensland

1978

Life event - Retired

1996

Award - Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to viticulture through the Canberra and District Winegrowers Association and the Canberra National Wine Show and to entomology

Related entries

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Yeates, D. K., 'Obituary: Edgar Riek OAM 1920 - 2016', Myrmecia, 52 (3) (2016), 2-7. Details