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