Contributor Guidelines

One of the great strengths of Atropos is the mix of people who contribute material for publication. No matter how knowledgeable the expert, we are all capable of learning something new or being surprised by someone else’s observations. Anyone with an interest in butterflies, moths or dragonflies can add something to the subject through their observations. Sadly we can’t publish everything that is sent to us, but we hope that no-one reading this will feel daunted by submitting something for publication.

Written material

Contributions are welcomed on any aspect of butterflies, moths and dragonflies, their conservation, identification or biology, which are of relevance to Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Short notes on any interesting field observations are welcomed for publication, as are:

• Letters to the editor
• Requests for information
• News of forthcoming events
• Press releases

Information from the rest of the world that may be of relevance to the British Isles (e.g. in terms of migration, importation etc) will also be considered. Occasional features/short observations on other popular insect groups such as grasshoppers, bees and ladybirds are also considered.

Authors should email their text to the editor in a Microsoft Word file.

Deadlines

Deadlines are variable. Please contact the editor for details.

Photographs

Photographs of topical butterflies, moths and dragonflies are welcomed, such as migrants, unusual forms or behaviour, uncommon resident species or species that are mentioned within text provided. Good quality photographs of more common species are occasionally required to illustrate particular articles, such as identification papers. Photographs of relevant habitats and equipment will also be considered for publication.

In terms of reproduction, high resolution digital images are preferred but we are still able to scan from slides. We are not able to publish from negatives. Please note that in the case of slides, in order to scan the relevant image the transparency needs to be removed from the slide frame, which may subsequently need remounting. Atropos cannot be held responsible for damage to slides or prints, but needless to say that all possible care is taken. All photographic material will be returned after publication, or sooner if not required.

Regrettably, at this stage we are unable to pay fees for published photographs, but photographers will receive a free copy of the issue in which their photograph appears. Over the years the photographic standard set in Atropos has been high, thanks to the efforts of amateur and professional photographers.

Photospot

Photospot is a regular feature in the magazine, in which we publish a particularly striking image (it can be a common species), and the photographer explains how the image was taken. As well as a description of the circumstances leading to the photograph, we require basic details of camera type, setting, shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, lighting and method of support. The winner will receive a £25 credit to be used against purchases from Atropos Books.

Records

We welcome details of any unusual records of migrant or resident insects, be this in the form of notes for publication or just the date, location and observer details. Both Adrian Parr (co-ordinator of the Migrant Dragonfly Recording Project) and Sean Clancy (compiler of the annual review of migrant Lepidoptera in the Entomologist’s Record) are on the editorial panel and information sent to us will be made available to them. We are also interested in particularly early or late dates for insects.

All migrant species records can also be posted on our Flight Arrivals page.

If you have any questions about submitting material to Atropos, please contact the editor.