Queensland Natural History Award 2010 – Deniss Reeves

The Queensland Natural History Award is presented annually by the Queensland Naturalists’ Club Inc. to give recognition to persons who have made outstanding contributions to natural history in Queensland. The Queensland Natural History Award for 2010 was presented to Deniss Reeves. Deniss Reeves.

Deniss is a well known member of the Queensland Naturalists’ Club. He has been a member since 1968 and he has been president three times. In 1993, in recognition of his continuing service to the club, he was awarded honorary life membership of the club.

Many members have benefitted from Deniss’ interest in and knowledge of natural history, especially his expertise in the Odonata and Lepidoptera. Deniss has participated in several scientific expeditions organised by the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland. He has also participated in many Queensland Naturalists’ Club excursions, where he has willingly shared his knowledge. He has conducted surveys of the Odonata and Lepidoptera. resulting in numerous scientific publications. The important contribution Deniss has made to entomology lead to a damseifly being named Eurvstrica reevesi in his honour.

Deniss has done much to raise community awareness and understanding about the Odonata. He has given illustrated talks to all levels in our schools, he has appeared on Brisbane Extra, and has been the guest speaker at many organisations, including Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, University of the Third Age. Tamborine Mountain Natural History Association and Fassifern Field Naturalists Club to mention a few.

Deniss has made significant gifts to the scientific community. In 1999 he donated a collection of 408 Tasmanian butterflies to the CSIRO Australian National Insect Collections. This collection was acknowledged in the Butterflies of Australia, published by Michael Braby in 2000. Deniss is a very good photographer, and he has provided images for many publications including Wildlif of Greater Brisbane, The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia and Wildlif’ Australia.

He has also played a significant role in other societies. He was the foundation president of the Australian Dragonfly Society, and was awarded honorary life membership of the Gulgong Pioneers Museum and Historical Society in 1968 for outstanding service.

The Entomological Society of Victoria a\\arded Deniss the Zoo Le Souef Memorial award in recognition of “his contributions in the field of amateur entomology” and in particular “contributions to knowledge of Odonata and Lepidoptera” and “long and important roles in the Queensland Naturalists’ Club”.

Ric Natrass (Dragonflies of South East Queensland) described Deniss as “recognised by amateurs and professionals alikc as the state’s number one dragonfly mail” a fitting tribute to someone who so deservedly has been awarded the 2010 Queensland Natural History Award.

Photo: Deniss Reeves (right) receives the Queensland Natural History Award for 2010 from the QNC Past President, Mrs Leith Woodall. (Photo: Peter Woodall)