Descriptive Entry

These papers document Whitehead's career at the SEL and his research on weevils. They include correspondence and memoranda concerning the identification of specimens, publication of research papers, review of grant proposals and manuscripts, and SEL administration; notes, lists, and related research materials; and personnel records.

Historical Note

Donald R. Whitehead (1938-1990) was an entomologist specializing in the systematics and biogeography of weevils. He received his B.S. from Rutgers University in 1961, and his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in 1971. In 1976, Whitehead was appointed Research Entomologist in the Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL), United States Department of Agriculture, and assigned to taxonomic work at the National Museum of Natural History. He remained in the position until his death.