摘要：Insects are often perceived as the “monstrous other”, but there are people dedicated to the study of insectlife. Amateur entomologists accentuate the scientific character of their activities. The scientific image mayexclude other kinds of human-nonhuman relationships. This article examines the affective characteristicsof amateur entomology. The empirical material for the study was gathered by interviews and participantobservation among the members of a local entomological society in Tampere, Finland. The article discusseshow different kinds of nonhuman charisma engage amateur entomologists. The article concludes that theentomologists exhibit reflective empathy towards the insects. This empathy is affective at the core but atthe same time rational and cognitive. In order to effectively pursue conservation targets the entomologistscommunicate in the scientific register and downplay the sentimental ethics of their practice at least whencommunicating outwards from their society.
