Practical Field Entomology - 2
Practical Field Entomology - 2
Practical Field Entomology - Collecting with Confidence
Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 Days - Suffolk, UK
Group Size: 8–12 maximum
There are currently no dates scheduled for this event. Please telephone 01473 - 375 026 for available dates for this event.
This immersive two-day field entomology course introduces the full range of ethical field collection techniques for terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates. Students will leave with the confidence to work independently and safely in varied habitats.
Skills Covered
Field Equipment Essentials
- 10x–20x hand lens
- Sweep net (standard and heavy-duty options)
- Beating tray and stick
- Pooter (aspirator)
- Soft forceps and fine brush
- Collection tubes (dry and ethanol)
- Ethanol (70–95%) overview
- White sorting trays
- Aquatic kick net
- Pond net technique
- Sample jars and vials
- Field notebook and recording format
- GPS / grid reference basics
Collection Techniques - Terrestrial Methods
- Sweep netting in grassland and margins
- Beating shrubs and low canopy
- Leaf litter sampling
- Turning stones (correct replacement technique)
- Direct searching (bark, deadwood, microhabitats)
- Introduction to pitfall trapping methodology
Freshwater Methods
- Kick sampling technique
- Marginal vegetation sampling
- Sediment disturbance technique
- Sorting from trays in the field
Working Smart in the Field
- Reading the sun and wind direction
- Timing surveys (temperature thresholds & insect activity)
- Working in heat (hydration & specimen care)
- Working in cold (reduced mobility awareness)
- Avoiding specimen overheating in tubes
- Managing condensation
- Efficient kit setup and workflow
Location
Suffolk
Specialist equipment provided.
On site.
To Bring: Sturdy outdoor clothing & closed footwear, waterproofs, notebook, hand lens (recommend 10x), medium tupperware container with tissue paper for specimens and lunch/drinks.