Led by Dipterist Nigel Jones, this is very much a workshop where participants can share their own “top tips” for useful techniques and saving money. The workshop will focus on pinned dry specimens.

Making and keeping insect collections is fraught with pitfalls and potential expense. This often prevents entomologists from making good reference collections. Lack of a good reference collection can be a serious hindrance to making accurate identifications of species. For those that do not have easy access to a good museum collection, the only option is to keep a private collection. In this workshop, Nigel will talk about making a Diptera collection. Many of the issues covered will be pertinent to other insect orders.

The workshop will cover:

· the need for insect reference collections

· preparing Diptera specimens for incorporation into a reference collection

· labelling specimens

· organising a collection

· conserving a collection

· storage

· where to get equipment

· ideas for saving on expensive equipment

· suggestions for avoiding becoming overwhelmed by dead flies or other insects!

Nigel Jones is County Diptera Recorder for Shropshire. He also co-organises the Flesh flies – Sarcophagidae Recording Scheme, the Empididae element of the Dolichopodidiae, Empididae and Hybotidae Recording Scheme. He recently launched the Lance fly – Lonchaeidae Study Group.

Covid Measures

In order to keep our attendees and staff safe we encourage anyone attending our workshops to:

– maintain social distancing

– wear a face covering when in a shared indoor space (unless exempt)

– clean/sanitise their hands regularly.

– take a Covid-19 lateral flow test before arrival.

Access

There are lifts between each of the floors and assistance dogs are permitted.

Adults only (18+)