Tanyptera Project: Mayflies Workshop

This course is aimed at those with little or no experience of mayfly identification, although some knowledge of identifying other insects, such as using keys and microscopes, would be useful.

Mayflies can be seen emerging from the water, resting in nearby vegetation, and most commonly ‘dancing’ above head height, along the shores of stillwaters and rivers. Of course, the word ‘mayfly’ is slightly misleading, as this group can appear throughout the year. They are an easy group to study with only 53 species known from the UK. Most of these species take one year to develop, but some may have two, or the generations a year, and the larger species may take two years to develop.

Identification will be based on the FSC pictorial guide to British mayflies. The course will begin with an introduction to mayflies, their life histories, and a description of the ten families found in the UK. This will be followed with an identification session using preserved specimens.

The course takes place from 10.30am - 4pm

Our tutor: Craig Macadam, is national recorder for the Ephemeroptera Recording Scheme, and has been studying and recording freshwater invertebrates for over 30 years. His particular interest is in mayflies and stoneflies, and he frequently gives talks and training on these groups. Craig is particularly interested in the species found in upland areas of the UK and the impact that climate change is having upon them.