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An Introduction to the Identification of Dolichopodidae flies
Known as the long-legged flies, Dolichopodidae is a large family of mainly predatory species with over 7000 species described worldwide and represented by 304 species in the British fauna. 79 of these are ascribed a IUCN threat status category of Regionally Extinct, Near-Threatened or Data Deficient accorded to the latest review (Drake 2018). With over 45,000 records on the NBN Atlas, Dolichopodidae is one of the most popular families for UK Dipterists to survey.
This course is aimed at those with some experience of using microscopes to identify flies. The day will begin with a brief introduction to the diversity and ecology of the group, but we will quickly get into the practical work of identification and the emphasis will be on giving you an opportunity to use a new dichotomous key developed by our tutor. It is an entirely lab-based day and you will be working with specimens provided from World Museum collections, though anyone that wants to bring dead specimens that they have collected and preserved themselves is welcome to.
Our tutor, Martin Drake, jointly co-ordinates the Empididae, Hybotidae & Dolichopodidae Recording Scheme with Stephen Hewitt, and is author of the October 2018 Natural England Commissioned report ‘A review of the status of the Dolichopodidae flies of Great Britain’.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but participants should bring a packed lunch or use World Museum café.
Adults only (18+)
Access: There are lifts between each of the floors and assistance dogs are permitted.
