Introduction to identifying the exuvia and larvae of Dragonflies
An introductory, yet specialist workshop, useful for beginners and ecologists
An introduction to identifying Dragonflies and damselflies using exuvial or larval samples, rather than flying adults. This course includes an overview of Dragonflies and why they are an important group of species to monitor, alongside species lists (UK based) and easy to use flow charts which will help you to understand what you are looking at. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners as well as ecologists who are new to this particular field. After completing this workshop you will be able to recognize the difference between Dragonflies and Damselflies, understand why different sampling methods may be selected, and recognize anatomical features that are crucial to the identification of Odonata. This workshop includes a copy of our unique and easy to follow workbook which includes some basic identification keys and annotated photographs to aid identification of dragonfly samples. The workshop is standalone, but skills will be massively increased if at some stage access to exuvial and/or larval samples is possible in order to fully explore the identification keys provided.
Your Instructor
Scott has been watching and studying wildlife since the age of six when he joined the young ornithologists club. With a wide range of ecological experience, including both 'boots on ground' conservation project management and scientific research and assessments, Scott is well placed to provide workshops and training that are both scientific and easy to follow. An experienced ecological consultant who has conducted surveys for hydro power schemes, wind farms, Eco-constructions, low impact developments and many protected species surveys including, Otters, Water Voles, Reptiles, Amphibians and raptors. Specialist invertebrates surveys have formed a fair percentage of his work over the past ten years or so and the study of dragonflies in particular has been ongoing for the past four years. (or for the past forty years if you count canal-side visits to watch dragonflies!).