Ross H. Arnett, Jr., one of the most influential coleopterists of the last 50 years, died Friday, July 16, in Gainesville after a long illness. Dr. Arnett was 80. He organized the Coleopterists Society and founded the Coleopterists Bulletin in 1948. He was the author of more than 200 books and papers, among which were Beetles of the United States, which has been the standard identification reference for beetles since its publication in 1962, and American Insects in 1985, which won which won the R.R. Hawkin Award from the American Association of Publishers. Dr. Arnett was revising both books for new editions at the time of his death.
 
Funeral services are today in Gainesville.
 
Michael C. Thomas, Ph.D.                                               
Florida State Collection of Arthropods                                 
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services                  
P.O. Box 147100                                                        
Gainesville, FL 32614-7100 U.S.A.                                      
email: thomasm@doacs.state.fl.us fax: (352) 334-0737 voice: (352) 372-3505