In this editorial, the authors raise ethical questions. Do we really need to collect, collect and collect? Even if it is not forbidden to collect, do we really need so many pinned specimens and so huge collections of insects? Our northern neighbours, the members of the Dutch Entomological Society, during their general Assembly of members on 17 April 2025, discussed the ethical issues about collecting, even with permits, very broadly, candidly and openly. Times have changed, so we, entomologists, are adapting to changes. We advise following the legal way to keep and provide evidence of legal collecting activity.

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Phegea

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Staff publications

J. De Prins (Jurate), & de Vos, R. (2025). Editorial. Ethical trends for insect collecting. Less is more.. Phegea (Vol. 53, pp. 98–99).