The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)
Affiliated to the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS)
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#1 2010-03-08 15:53:33
- JohnShowers
- Committee
- Name: John Showers
- From: Northants
- Registered: 2008-02-28
- Posts: 55
- Website
Muscid Workshop Preston Montford 6/7th March 2010
I just wanted to say how pleased I was with this workshop and would like to thank Steve Falk and Mike Bloxham for all their help and the interesting presentations. Thanks also to Stuart Ball for producing a prodigous amount of documentation. Also to Malcolm Smart for organising the event and Richard Underwood for providing the Liverpool Museum muscid collection. Without all this work the event could not be so useful or enjoyable.
As usual the event was excellent and I can recommend it to others who may be thinking of coming along to future workshops. Everyone is so friendly and helpful that newcomers will quickly feel at home.
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#2 2010-03-08 23:31:37
- brianh
- DF Members
- Name: Brian Harding
- From: Kidlington, Oxfordshire
- Registered: 2008-10-27
- Posts: 299
Re: Muscid Workshop Preston Montford 6/7th March 2010
I am in full agreement.
I am now much more confident about what various characters look like. This is largely due to the opportunity to see these characters in specimens that I have not collected. The specimens brought along by Mike and Richard were invaluable in this respect.
The identification guide to the British species (Stuart) which brings together the best of the British Fonseca keys and the Gregor European keys will make my identifications easier and more secure.
This meeting has confirmed how useful it is to get together with others to improve ones knowledge.
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#3 2010-03-09 15:30:45
Re: Muscid Workshop Preston Montford 6/7th March 2010
I must add my thanks to Brian's and John's. Organising these workshops must be a tremendous effort for all concerned and I can't thank Steve, Mike, Stuart, Malcolm and Richard (apologies if I have ommited others who may have been involved) enough for what was an extremely useful workshop, covering familly of flies I had previoulsy considered off-bounds! I managed Mydaea corni and Phaonia goberti determinations last night with some ease, and easily classified some other flies as Anthomyidae and Fanniidae, rather than Muscids - mainly because I could refer to the wonderful printed resources we received, but also, of course, due to the help of our most excellent tutors. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into Muscids now.
To all at the Dipterists Forum - keep up the brilliant work. It is much appreciated and I am sure will lead to better recording of Muscids in future.
Last edited by conopid (2010-03-09 15:32:20)
Nigel Jones
Shropshire
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#4 2010-03-11 17:29:18
- Judy Webb
- Committee
- Name: Judith Webb
- Registered: 2008-02-21
- Posts: 396
Re: Muscid Workshop Preston Montford 6/7th March 2010
I agree with all the above comments and here are a couple of photos to go with them. I did struggle with all those bristle characters, but at least I now feel I can attempt a Muscid (and be sure it is not an Anthomyid, Calliphorid or Fanniid!). It is also great to know you have the most up to date key version possible.
I might also put these photos in the gallery eventually.
Judy
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