Terrestrial Invertebrates for Beginners with The Biological Recording Company

Discover the world of British terrestrial invertebrates and learn to identify them by sight, structure, and taxonomy.

How do you tell a beetle from a bug? Or a spider from a harvestmen? Or a bee from a hoverfly?

Terrestrial Invertebrates for Beginners is a one-day introduction to the fascinating diversity of Britain’s land-dwelling invertebrates. Designed for those with little or no prior experience, this hands-on course will guide you through the fundamentals of finding, observing, and identifying invertebrates in the field.

Through a blend of classroom learning and outdoor exploration, you’ll develop the skills to recognise key morphological features and classify specimens to order level. You’ll gain confidence using identification keys and deepen your understanding of the principles of taxonomy.

The day includes practical exercises, group activities, and a guided field session at a local green space, where you’ll apply new knowledge to real-world specimens.

This course is ideal for those with an interest in natural history that are looking to develop their invertebrate identification and recording skills.

What will be covered during this course?

• Invertebrates Taxonomy: Explore how different groups of terrestrial invertebrate are classified and learn how taxonomic classification works.
• Identification Keys: Learn how to use dichotomous keys effectively to classify specimens and navigate identification guides with confidence.
• Invertebrate Fieldwork: Learn techniques for locating and collecting invertebrates safely and ethically in a range of habitats.
• Specimen Identification: Examine preserved and live specimens to develop recognition of key morphological features used in identification to order level.
  Invertebrate Monitoring and Conservation: Discover how invertebrate recording contributes to biodiversity monitoring and supports conservation efforts.

For more information and to book your place, visit The Biological Recording Company Eventbrite page.