Getting Started with Insect Identification

Join Gordon Port for a new course exploring the identification of insects

Overview

Course tutor: Gordon Port

Course length: 5 weeks, Tuesday 5 May - Tuesday 9 June, 10am-4pm

Course structure: 5 sessions, indoor/outdoor at Gosforth Nature Reserve

Course cost: £100 NHSN Members / £100 Non-Members

About This Course

Join Gordon Port for a new course exploring the identification of insects.

Identifying something as an insect is possible for most of us, but how do you narrow it down to family or even species? Why are things like woodlice not insects, and what is the real difference between a bee and a wasp?

In this course, we will explore how to identify some common groups of insects using identification guides and apps. The course runs over a six-week period in May and June, a prime time for finding insects.

This course will include:

· Key identification features of major insect orders

· How to identify some common insect species using guides

· How to use identification apps (and to judge if the results are correct)

· Guidance on using a range of keys and other identification guides

· Hands-on development of practical entomological skills in the field

Please bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Accessibility Information

Accessible toilets are available. Our Field Studies Room is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible field sites available at Gosforth Nature Reserve.

Course Programme:

• Tuesday 5 May
• Tuesday 12 May
• Tuesday 19 May
• [One-week break]
• Tuesday 2 June
• Tuesday 9 June

Questions (and identification queries) are welcome at any time by emailing james.common@newcastle.ac.uk. Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.

About the tutor:

Gordon volunteers with NHSN and is fascinated by a wide range of invertebrates. He worked at Newcastle University and elsewhere studying invertebrates throughout his career, but now realises he has much more to learn.