Dates

Start Date: 21^st May 2017, 10:30
End Date: 21^st May 2017, 16:00

Event Info

Shieldbugs are a fascinating group of insects to get familiar with, the workshop aims to demonstrate that most are no difficult to identify then most butterflies or dragonflies. In recent years the diversity of shieldbugs in South Yorkshire has been expanding due to climate change and other factors, so recording them is more important than ever to document these changes. New species are expected to arrive in the future so come along to the workshop and learn more about this unique group of insects-and maybe you could find a new species for Yorkshire!

(Woundwort Shieldbug, Jim Flanagan)

This is an introduction to the identification of the nearly 60 species of shieldbug, including other allied groups such as squashbugs and burrowing bugs. Microscopes, identification keys and books will be available for use. A collection of carded specimens of a large proportion of the British fauna of shieldbugs will be made available for study.   The workshop will include a short excursion to a nearby site to look for and photograph shieldbugs (for this part of the day it would be useful to bring a hand lens along if you have one).

The workshop will be suitable for beginners and those with less familiarity with these insects.  Most shieldbugs can be identified straightforwardly and are an ideal group to study for those wanting to expand their knowledge of bugs which are a very under-recorded group in comparison to butterflies and dragonflies.

Bring your own lunch or visit local cafes in within the Heritage Centre.  This is a joint event organized by Sorby Invertebrate Group, the UK National Terrestrial Heteroptera Recording Schemes  and the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership.

Places are FREE but booking is essential! Please contact the DVLP below to book your place.