Richard Thoma has been a member of Webster Groves Nature Study Society (WGNSS) for approximately 40 years. Most of that time was spent participating in the Entomology Natural History group. Rich has given numerous presentations at WGNSS entomology meetings. He has a teaching insect collection of approximately 10,000 specimens. For ten years in the 1990’s Rich led Butterfly Counting research efforts at Valley View Glade. For four of those years, he was the leader of the Missouri Butterfly Count organization, which was sponsored by the Missouri
Department of Conservation. Out in the field, Rich’s primary interest is insect coloration, with an emphasis on mimicry. Other areas of interest include paleontology, ecology, evolution and hiking. Along with best friend Ted MacRae, Rich has completed hiking on the Ozark Trail. Rich loves to be outdoors. Every field trip brings something new to learn and fascinating to see. In addition, Rich has a strong desire to teach students and to encourage a love of nature. He volunteers to speak to school groups and other youth organizations. Usually, the talk is about
the amazing world of insects. He has also been a Boy Scout leader as a camp counselor as a young adult and as a pack leader when his son was a cub scout. In addition, he has participated on the WGNSS board as Scholarship and Entomology chairs, WGNSS President, first Vice-President and currently Historian. On WGNSS’ 100 th anniversary, Richard was the Senior Editor of the WGNSS 100th Anniversary book.