Insect Identification

You will be introduced to a range of different methods for collecting insects, including sweep netting, light traps, and pitfall traps. You will be shown how to preserve insects, and build your own reference collection.

You will be trained how to identify insects under the guidance of trained experts in the field of entomology. You will use dichotomous keys for the identification of species to at least to family, but to genus/species wherever possible.

There will be opportunities to gather insects in several different habitats around Northumberland, including Druridge Bay and Plessey Woods.

You will be learning alongside Stage 2 undergraduate students on BSc Zoology and BSc Biology courses.

A copy of the key textbook for insect identification is included in the cost of the course.

No prior knowledge of entomology is required.

Facilities

Cockle Park is Newcastle University’s farm, located near Morpeth in Northumberland. We will be using the laboratory for insect identification as well as the farm’s environs for collection.

Access to a full library of insect identification guides is available; along with all the equipment required for insect curation.

PLEASE NOTE

You must be 18 or older to participate in this course

For any related allergies, please contact llahub@newcastle.ac.uk to make the course leaders aware of this ahead of attending

There are practical elements to this course that involve the curation of insects - methods will be carried out in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of insect taxonomy

Knowledge of how to recognise common insect families by sight

Training in the use of scientific keys to identify insects to species level

Practice in the curation of insect collections

A reference collection of insects collected and curated during the course

Course Agenda

Ethics of collecting insects from the wild; professional codes and personal responsibility (for example, we will not be collecting butterflies or reproductive queen bees)

Insect taxonomy: an overview of insect phylogeny and morphology

Collection: sweep nets, light traps, beating trays, pitfall traps, malaise traps, Tullgren funnels

Identification: scientific keys to species level except where this would not leave the specimen intact

Curation: killing and preserving insects, pinning, pointing, use of wing-boards, labelling

For more information on this course, please contact llahub@newcastle.ac.uk or enquire here

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