Program Overview

Insect Identification Program

The Insect Identification program introduces participants to various methods for collecting insects, including sweep netting, light traps, and pitfall traps. Participants will learn how to preserve insects and build their own reference collection under the guidance of trained experts in entomology. The program utilizes dichotomous keys for species identification to at least the family level, and to the genus/species level whenever possible.

Program Details

• The program is conducted at Cockle Park, Newcastle University’s farm, located near Morpeth in Northumberland.
• Participants will have access to a laboratory for insect identification and the farm’s environs for collection.
• A full library of insect identification guides is available, along with all the equipment required for insect curation.
• A copy of the key textbook for insect identification is included in the cost of the course.

Eligibility and Requirements

• No prior knowledge of entomology is required.
• Participants must be 18 years or older to participate in the course.
• For any related allergies, participants are required to inform the course leaders ahead of attending.
• The program involves practical elements that include the curation of insects, which will be carried out in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of insect taxonomy
• Knowledge of how to recognize common insect families by sight
• Training in the use of scientific keys to identify insects to species level
• Practice in the curation of insect collections
• A reference collection of insects collected and curated during the course

Course Agenda

• Ethics of collecting insects from the wild; professional codes and personal responsibility
• Insect taxonomy: an overview of insect phylogeny and morphology
• Collection: sweep nets, light traps, beating trays, pitfall traps, malaise traps, Tullgren funnels
• Identification: scientific keys to species level except where this would not leave the specimen intact
• Curation: killing and preserving insects, pinning, pointing, use of wing-boards, labelling

Additional Information

Participants will be learning alongside Stage 2 undergraduate students on BSc Zoology and BSc Biology courses. The program provides opportunities to gather insects in several different habitats around Northumberland, including Druridge Bay and Plessey Woods.