Identifying Flies

Hoverflies, horseflies, houseflies, fruit flies, soldierflies, bee-flies, craneflies, greenbottles, mosquitoes and more: flies are all around us, but are often overlooked or even actively discouraged. In fact the true flies, or Diptera, are one of the most species-rich orders of insect in the UK, with over 7,000 species to choose from. They are found in all habitats and have fascinating links to many other kinds of wildlife.

This weekend course will provide an introduction to the Diptera: how they interact with their environment and how to recognise the major families. Through field visits and laboratory sessions we will explore a range of habitats and try out various techniques for finding and studying this hugely diverse group. Identification will be taken to species level for some groups of flies, using a mix of photography, microscopes and voucher collections.

This course is suitable for beginners with an interest in insects, as well as ecologists and other countryside professionals.

The content is also appropriate for anyone wishing to contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder, who works on the OPAL iSpot project at the Open University and also carries out a wide range of entomological surveys.

In the past he has worked for Environmental Records Centres and Wildlife Trusts and as a volunteer he is a county moth recorder.

Martin has led workshops on wildlife identification and recording for a wide range of organisations including FSC.

Further Information

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