Hoverflies are one of the best fly families for the novice with a desire to get into flies, and this is the ultimate ‘beginners’ course for anybody wishing to develop identification skills. This course has been developed over the past 20 years and has been run on more than 70 occasions. It combines a mixture of detailed talks and explanations of important aspects of hoverfly ecology and anatomy with examination of preserved specimens using keys and microscopes. It starts with an introductory talk on Friday evening. On the Saturday morning and introductory session establishes basic knowledge of the key to Tribes; after which we progress to keys to species. By doing it this way, we aim to embed knowledge of what to look at and how to look at it. The course is based on preserved specimens allowing participants to become familiar with a substantial part of the British fauna.
Tutor: Stuart Ball
Stuart Ball has long experience in running identification courses on hoverflies. He is the author, with Roger Morris, of the recent Britain’s Hoverflies identification guide, and has run (with Roger) the successful national Hoverfly Recording Scheme for many years.
Example Timetable
Please arrive at the Centre between 15:00pm and 17:00pm on the first day of your course in good time for a welcome introduction and evening meal usually 18.30pm, after which the course commences with a short evening session.
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport
Before You Attend
What to Bring
- Pens, pencils and notebook
- Any collecting equipment you have.
- Any field ID guides you have may be useful
Sorry this course has ended