Surveying For Flies with The Biological Recording Company

Learn how to survey for flies using practical field methods while exploring their ecological importance and habitats.

Brought to you by the Biological Recording Company and The Dipterists Forum, this Skills for Ecology webinar is an accessible introduction to fly ecology and survey methodology. Learn about the importance of Diptera recording for biodiversity monitoring and environmental management. Whether you are completely new to insect surveying or looking to broaden your ecological field skills, this webinar will provide a practical foundation for surveying flies in the field.

Have your notepad and questions at the ready, as this 90-minute, live event consists of a presentation, followed by Q&A with the tutor.

Can’t attend but don’t want to miss out? Book a space to receive a link to watch the event back, after the live event content is processed. Book your place via The Biological Recording Company Eventbrite page.

What will you learn?

Flies (Diptera) are one of the most diverse and ecologically important groups of insects, yet they are frequently under-recorded in ecological surveys and conservation projects. From pollination and decomposition to nutrient cycling and natural pest regulation, flies provide vital ecosystem services across both urban and rural landscapes. This 90-minute webinar introduces the principles and practical approaches to surveying for flies, focusing on field techniques, habitat assessment, and biological recording methods used in ecological and conservation contexts.

During this webinar, participants will explore:

• Planning Your Survey: Understanding legal considerations, landowner permissions, and the health, safety, and environmental risks associated with surveying for flies.
• Habitats and Ecology: Exploring the habitats used by flies and how ecological factors influence species presence, abundance, and survey timing.
• Trapping Methods: An introduction to common survey techniques, the fly families they are best suited to, and the advantages and limitations of different methods.
• Ethics and By-catch: Considering ethical approaches to insect surveying, minimising unintended captures, and reducing impacts on non-target species and habitats.
• Processing the Catch in the Field: Practical guidance on handling, sorting, storing, recording, and transporting specimens during fieldwork.

Image credit: Martin Harvey