Hoverfly Identification with Microscopes

Around 283 species of hoverfly can be found in Britain, and for about half of these identification is best confirmed through microscopic examination. As sensitive habitat indicators and pollinators of a wide variety of plants, hoverflies are very important invertebrates in the British landscape. Learn how to identify some of these species using microscopes.

The day includes a short presentation introducing the morphological features used to identify specimens to tribe and species, followed by practical sessions guided by our expert tutor. During the lab sessions, you’ll explore a wide variety of different hoverfly specimens, including some that are easy to recognise, and some that require more detailed examination.

Through a combination of taught classroom content and lab-based practical sessions, learners will gain confidence in using the identification keys and preserved specimens to identify hoverflies to family level.

Course tutor: Martin Harvey