Archive of past Queensland Entomologists
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Thomas Lane BANCROFT (1860-1933)
Thomas Bancroft was born in Nottingham, UK, son of Joseph Bancroft, who migrated to Brisbane in 1864. He was schooled in Brisbane at the Normal School and Brisbane Grammar. Studied medicine at Edinburgh University, graduating in 1883. He was the Government Medical Officer in charge of hospitals at Geraldton (now Innsifail) (1885-6), Stannary Hills (1908-9), Eidsvold (1910-30) and Palm Island (1930-32). He was in private practice at Brisbane and Deception Bay (1895-1904). Lived at Wallaville (1932-3) at the time of death. Sent innumerable natural history, geological and anthropological items to Queensland Museum from his postings. He was deeply interested in scientific investigation. Continued his father’s scientific work at the family farm at Deception Bay. Made pioneering investigations of mosquito transmission of filariasis, dengue and animal parasites. Reared pest fruit flies from native fruits. Reared 25 species of mosquitos and published a catalogue. Studied breeding of the Queensland lungfish and pharmacology of native plants. His daughter, Mabel Josephine Mackerras (née Bancroft), became a prominent entomologist.
Biography: Pearn, J. & Powell, L. (eds) 1991. The Bancroft Tradition. Amphion Press, University of Qld, Brisbane, 268 pp; Mackerras, I.M. & Marks, E.N. 1973. The Bancrofts: a century of scientific endeavour. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 84:1-34.