Advertisement
This course on identifying insects using specimens and microscopes focuses on how to find and sample insects, how to prepare and curate specimens for identification purposes, and how to approach identification of your chosen species group.The main objective of this course is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out reliable and verifiable identifications, through the correct presentation of specimens and the use of keys and other entomological identification resources. You will be expected to select a suitable taxonomic group to specialise in, by building up your own reference collection of specimens.
The course will provide you with an understanding of insect diversity, skills in collecting, preparing and curating voucher specimens, and how to accurately identify insect groups to species level. You will also be introduced to the issues associated with recording hard to identify species, and how this can be improved. Your fieldwork will take you out into the rich range of habitat within and surrounding the Preston Montford Centre nestled in the heart of Shropshire, where your course will take place.
What will be covered during this course?
The course will be delivered through a combination of seminars, laboratory identification sessions and practical field work.
Identifying a range of invertebrate groups in the field and in the lab using microscopes.
Procedures for identifying selected insect groups to species level.
Importance of accurate identification of such groups i.e. ecological history of sites and habitat quality, and recorder limitations in producing reliable biological records for insects.
Issues with recording difficult groups: under recording of species or taxa as a result of identification issues; improving the recording of invertebrates and difficult groups.
Appropriate resources to identify the specimens within a voucher collection and discussion of the use of identification resources for insects.
Techniques for collecting and preparing voucher specimens for validation by a referee.
Management of collections of voucher specimens.
The use of referees and the validation system for difficult invertebrate groups.
Please refer to our website for further information. Different booking options are available.
https://www.field-studies-council.org/courses-and-experiences/static-courses/identifying-insects-using-specimens-and-microscopes-mmu/
#Entomology #Insects #AnimalBiology
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
FSC Preston Montford, Preston Montford Lane, Montford Bridge,Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Tickets