This webinar aims to introduce the group of soil arthropods known as the springtails – the order Collembola. A brief review of their ecology will be followed by introductions to the major UK families in this order (Isotomidae, Entomobryidae, Poduridae, and symphypleona), followed by examples of common species in each. Only a few species can be identified reliably from photographs – most need microscopy plus the FSC AIDGAP key. Peter will introduce the key and cover the technical details needed to make the key work.

Dr Peter Shaw is the UK recorder for Collembola and runs the National Recording Scheme.

We will end with an interactive question and answer session.

Please book your space via Eventbrite and you will be sent information on how to join the webinar.

This session will run on Zoom. If you are new to Zoom you will need to create a Zoom account and download their software. This is all free and you can do so here.

You can use a laptop/desktop computer, smartphone or tablet and it isn’t necessary to have a webcam or microphone to participate.

Further info on how to join a zoom meeting can be found here.