BENHS Weekend Training Workshop: An Introduction to Ichneumonids

Event description

An Introduction to Ichneumonids and Open Ichneumonidae general surgery

Workshop Leader(s): Gavin Broad (NHM) & Mike Fitton (NHM).

This workshop will provide an introduction to the natural history of nocturnal species of this parasitoid wasp family (both braconids and ichneumonids). The aim of the workshop is to increase confidence in this parasitoid wasp family identification and introduces the subfamilies of the large hymenopteran family, Braconidae. With over 1,300 British species in 28 subfamilies, braconids are frequently collected, especially as parasitoids of Lepidopteran larvae. We will introduce the subfamilies, with keys, and point to the most useful species-level keys.

The aim of the BENHS training workshops is to open up the facilities of the collections both at the BENHS Pelham-Clinton Building at Dinton Pastures, Reading and the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity (AMC) at the Natural History Museum, London and are designed to support fellow invertebrate recorders, be they experienced or novices by providing an informal setting for developing your identification and/or recording skills. As the sessions are informal events you are welcome to come for as much or as little time as you wish.

There is no prerequisite for attendees to have attended one of our previous courses and all are free of charge to attend for AES members. Booking your place early is recommended as workshop places are limited to (20 people). All we ask is that people book in advance by emailing me and letting me know that you wish to attend so I can reserve a microscope and bench space for you on the day.