Of the almost 400 species of British True Hoppers (Auchenorrhyncha) , around 308 belong to the family Cicadellidae (Leafhoppers). In this family there are 13 subfamilies found in the UK. Join us to take your leafhopper identification skills to the next level.
This course provides an introduction to identifying leafhoppers to subfamily and tribe using identification keys and microscopes. The day includes a short presentation introducing the morphological features used to identify specimens to subfamily and tribe level, followed by practical sessions guided by our expert tutor. During the lab sessions, you’ll explore a wide variety of different leafhopper subfamilies.
Through a combination of taught classroom content and lab-based practical sessions, learners will gain confidence in using the identification keys and preserved specimens to identify leafhoppers to subfamily level.
- Certificate upon course completion.
- Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
- Please note that this course will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.
This course is aimed at adults only and course attendees must be at least 18 years old in order to attend.
What will be covered during this course?
- The external (morphological) features used in leafhopper identification
- How to work through keys to determine leafhopper specimens accurately to subfamily level
- Practical experience observing leafhopper ID features using a microscope
- No microscope experience is necessary – our tutors will set up and show you how to use a microscope
See the ‘Example Timetable’, ‘What’s Included’ and ‘Before You Attend’ sections below for more information about this course.
Course Fees
Regular Price: £75 For professionals and residents outside of the UK. Select ‘Attendee: In Person’ Sold Out
Subsidised Price: £10 Subsidised by the FSC BioLinks project for non-professionals eg. volunteers, biological recorders, wildlife gardeners, amateur naturalists and students. Available to UK residents only. Select ‘Attendee Subsidised: In Person’
Tutor: Alan Stewart
Alan Stewart is a Senior Lecturer in Ecology at the University of Sussex and has been running the national recording scheme for leafhoppers and related groups since 1987.
Covid Measures
In order to keep our customers and staff safe, we ask that anyone attending our centres:
- Wears a face covering when in shared indoor space (unless exempt).
- Maintains social distancing.
- Cleans their hands regularly.
- Takes a Covid-19 test before they arrive.
Book with Confidence
We understand the difficulties of making plans in the current situation when guidelines continue to change, and insurance conditions are being tightened. In response, we will continue to offer additional flexibility. Find out more here
Example Timetable
- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am.
- Refreshments will be available from 9.45 am.
- The course will end at 4:00 pm.
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition -
Hot and Cold Drinks
- 6 hours of tuition.
- Certificate of attendance.
- Access to a microscope, identification resources and specimens.
Bursaries and Subsidies
FSC BioLinks
FSC BioLinks is an exciting project for FSC in the South East and West Midlands, bringing together existing volunteers with skills in biological recording and identification, and new volunteers.
This project provides subsidised training courses, learning opportunities and digital tools focussed on invertebrate identification for anyone involved or interested in biological recording, to build and strengthen the community.
Invertebrates provide us with many useful ecosystem services, like pollination and decomposition, which we cannot survive without but their numbers are declining. Few people know how to identify or record invertebrates meaning there is a lack of data.
We are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £1.23 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this project.
Before You Attend
Getting to FSC London: Bushy Park
Information on getting to the site can be found here.
When you arrive at The Stockyard gate you may need to call the centre to open the gate. You can reach the staff on site on 020 8941 4398.
What to bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch
- Any leafhopper specimens that you'd like verified (tutor availability during the course permitting)
Please note that this course will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical requirements please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Sorry this course has ended
