Individuals & Families

Shieldbugs and their Relatives: Ecology and Identification

 Centre:  Juniper Hall    Tutor:  Andrea Kiewitt
 Dates:  Friday 3 September-Sunday 5 September 2010
 Sole Occupancy Room:£206     Shared Room: £186 

   Non-Res: £155

 Level:Open to Everyone
  Professional Development Course.

A weekend course on the identification and ecology of shieldbugs. This course will appeal to keen amateur naturalists, countryside professionals, inquisitive teachers and anyone who wants to find out more about these often neglected yet fascinating and compelling insects.
You will be introduced to the natural history and biology of the Heteroptera, particularly those of the North Downs, their characteristical morphological and anatomical features, and their ecology, from habitat preferences to defence mechanisms. The main focus will be on the four families that are collectively known as the shieldbugs.
Using field identification as well as the microscope you will quickly learn how to separate the different groups and recognise individual species, either as adults or nymphs, with the possibility of preparing voucher specimens.

Andrea Kiewitt is a qualified biologist, ecologist and entomologist with a long standing fascination for the Heteroptera. As an enthusiastic tutur she has taught courses overseas and in the UK at university degree level and in environmental education at the North York Moors National Park.

This course is part of our programme of Professional Development Courses. You can find out more in the Professional Development section of this website.