James Zetek

James Zetek (1886–1959) was an American entomologist and authority on the natural history of Panama.[1]

James Zetek
BornDecember 12, 1886
Died1959 (aged 72–73)
NationalityAmerican
Scientific career
FieldsEntomology
InfluencedThomas E. Snyder

Career
Barro Colorado Research Station, 2006

James Zetek was born as Vaclav Zetek on December 12, 1886 in Chicago, son of Vaclav Zetek, an immigrant from Bohemia and a stone cutter in Chicago, and his spouse Johanna Velker. James went to Panama in 1911 as an entomologist, serving for a time as professor there. Dr. Zetek was the Founding Director of the Canal Zone Biological Area (CZBA), located on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. He served as Resident Manager from 1923 to 1956. He died in Panama June 2, 1959, and was buried in Amador Cemetery.

Zetek's primary research interest was the study of termites and termite control.[2] USDA entomologist Thomas E. Snyder studied with him.[3]

Zetek also became an authority in other aspects of Panama's natural history. He wrote a paper on the mollusks of Panama in 1917.[1]

In 1939, Zetek became a Fellow of the Entomological Society of America.[4]

Zetek retired in 1956. His successor was Carl D. Koford.[5] Zetek's papers are held by the Smithsonian Institution Archives.[1]

References
  1. "SIA RU007462, Zetek, James 1886–1959, James Zetek Papers, circa 1921–1951". Smithsonian Institution Archives. Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  2. Raby, Megan (2010-09-09). "A Laboratory in the Jungle". Smithsonian Institution Archives. Archived from the original on 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  3. "Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute". Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  4. "List of ESA Fellows". Entomological Society of America. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  5. James Zetek Retires. Smithsonian Institution Archives. 1956-05-30. p. 161. Retrieved 2012-05-25.


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