Definition
Alfred Chobaut was a French entomologist known for his work on Coleoptera, particularly leaf‑beetles (family Chrysomelidae).
Overview
Born in the mid‑19th century in Bordeaux, France, Chobaut pursued a career primarily as a pharmacist while maintaining a strong interest in natural history. He became an active member of several French scientific societies, contributing numerous papers on the taxonomy and distribution of beetles in southwestern France. His collections, especially of the Chrysomelidae, were regarded as valuable resources for regional faunistic studies. Several species descriptions authored by Chobaut remain in use, and his specimens are preserved in French museum collections.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Chobaut” is of French origin, likely deriving from regional Occitan linguistic roots. The given name “Alfred” is of Anglo‑Saxon origin, meaning “elf counsel”.
Characteristics
- Professional background: Trained and employed as a pharmacist; entomology was pursued as an avocation.
- Research focus: Taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of Coleoptera, with emphasis on the leaf‑beetle families.
- Publications: Authored several articles in early 20th‑century French entomological journals, including species descriptions and regional faunal surveys.
- Collections: Amassed extensive beetle specimens from the Gironde department and surrounding areas; many are housed in the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Bordeaux.
- Affiliations: Member of the Société entomologique de France and local natural history societies.
Related Topics
- Entomology in France
- Coleoptera (beetles)
- Chrysomelidae (leaf‑beetles)
- French natural history societies
- Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Bordeaux collections
Note: Exact birth and death dates, as well as some specifics of Chobaut’s bibliography, are not uniformly documented across available sources. Accurate information is not confirmed for those details.