Andreas Strand

Andreas Strand (June 11, 1895 – February 8, 1980) was a Norwegian entomologist that specialized in Nordic beetles. Strand became a member of the Norwegian Entomological Society in 1920, and he is one of the leading figures in Norwegian entomology. His professional career included work as an administrator, secretary, vice chairman, and accountant.

After passing his examen artium, Andreas Strand graduated from the Telegraph School and later joined the Telegraph Service in Haugesund. In 1917 he moved to Kristiania and received a position with the Telegraph Board. Later he worked as head of the foreign affairs department, a position he held until he retired. He became interested in nature and insects at an early age, already in middle school. In 1914, he was in Stavanger, where he met Tor Helliesen, who was the manager of the Stavanger Museum. Helliesen was particularly interested in beetles (Coleoptera) and had a large collection from Rogaland, and he recommended that Strand start collecting beetles. Together they went on an excursion, and Stand was introduced to the collection and preparation of insects. However, it was not until 1917, when he moved to Kristiania, that Strand's interest was seriously awakened.

Strand had no formal education in zoology (or entomology), and he said that this was a conscious choice, reckoning that a full-time entomologist had to deal with a lot of paperwork. It contains approximately 80,000 specimens, divided into 4,609 species. In addition to the collection itself, Strand's notes and library are also kept at the museum.

Honors and awards In 1965, Strand was appointed doctor honoris causa at the University of Bergen. That same year, he received the King's Medal of Merit in Gold for his research achievements. He was an honorary member of the Norwegian Entomological Society and several other Nordic entomological societies.

Publications Andreas Strand authored more than 120 publications, most of which were published in the Norwegian Journal of Entomology. Astrid Løken compiled a list of Strand's publications in her article series on Scandinavian entomologists.