Biography

British entomologist, who became one of the foremost authorities on bird lice (Mallophaga) during the twentieth century. Theresa Clay is sometimes referred to as the young 'confidante' of Col. R. Meinertzhagen, 33 years her senior, after whom he named many taxa of birds. Initially attached to The Natural History Museum in an unofficial capacity, Theresa Clay joined the staff of the Department of Entomology in 1949, was promoted to Senior Scientific Officer (1952) and became Deputy Keeper (1970) before retiring in 1975. In the same year she married R.G. Searight. Theresa Clay did not use her middle name or initial and retained her maiden name on all official publications and correspondence.

Biography

British entomologist, who became one of the foremost authorities on bird lice (Mallophaga) during the twentieth century. Theresa Clay is sometimes referred to as the young 'confidante' of Col. R. Meinertzhagen, 33 years her senior, after whom he named many taxa of birds. Initially attached to The Natural History Museum in an unofficial capacity, Theresa Clay joined the staff of the Department of Entomology in 1949, was promoted to Senior Scientific Officer (1952) and became Deputy Keeper (1970) before retiring in 1975. In the same year she married R.G. Searight. Theresa Clay did not use her middle name or initial and retained her maiden name on all official publications and correspondence.