This workshop will be held at Rixton Clay Pits in Warrington. It will cover the field identification of the larvae of all 26 British conspicuous ladybird species, as well as information on their ecology, distribution and natural history.

There are around 46 species of ladybird found in the UK, with 26 readily recognisable as ladybirds when adults. However, the larvae are much less well known, despite being conspicuous and reasonably straightforward to identify in the field with the naked eye.  This workshop will cover the field identification of the larvae of all 26 British conspicuous ladybird species, as well as information on the ecology, distribution and natural history of the group.  Attendees will have the opportunity to practice several types of field survey technique, and to look at specimens of a range of UK species.

Our tutor: Richard Comont studied the Harlequin ladybird and its impact on native ladybird species during his PhD at the University of Oxford.  He has led training in identification and recording of various insect groups, especially ladybirds and bumblebees, for more than a decade and has authored several natural history books, including the Naturalists’ Handbook on ladybirds and the Spotlight Guide to ladybirds.  He was awarded the 2016 Gilbert White Adult Award for Terrestrial and Freshwater Biological Recording in recognition of his recording and training work.

Please note that this workshop will be held at Rixton Clay Pits in Warrington and not at World Museum.