Centenary of Entomology @ UP

Culicoides surveillance and identification

14-15 May 2019

Presenters: Dr Karien Labuschagne and Dr Gert Venter (ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research)

Content
Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are blood-feeding midges implicated in the transmission of veterinary diseases such as bluetongue and African horse sickness. Both diseases are internationally important and impose high costs for livestock production and trade.

You will become familiar with the biology of the genus, gain experience in Culicoides sampling methods, learn to recognise morphological traits and develop laboratory skills needed to identify these small insects.

Only a basic knowledge of insect morphology is required to participate in this workshop.

This workshop is registered as a Category 1 CPD activity by SACNASP (2 credits)

Location: Zoology Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria

Registration
Registration includes all catering, course materials, dissecting equipment and transport during the workshop.
• Registration Fee: R1500
• Registration and proof of payment due: Monday 15 April 2019

Trait-based, mechanistic modelling of species' niches

13-14 July 2019

Presenter: Prof. Michael Kearney (University of Melbourne, Australia)

Content
Presented by a world leader in the field, this workshop will provide training on the use of insect physiological traits such as temperature thresholds, nutrient and water requirements, their relationship with energetic requirements for survival, growth and reproduction, and local environmental variables to predict species’ niches. It will focus on the NicheMapR R package and cover the topics of microclimate modelling, biophysical ecology and Dynamic Energy Budget theory. This approach can be used to accurately predict the effect of changing climates and habitat modification on the behaviour, distribution and abundance of insect populations.

Familiarity with and experience in use of the R environment for statistical computing and graphics is required to participate in this workshop.

This workshop is registered as a Category 1 CPD activity by SACNASP (2 credits)

Location: Zoology Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria

Registration
Registration includes all catering and course materials.
• Registration Fee: R650
• Registration and proof of payment due: Monday 1 July 2019

Insect macro photography

20 September 2019

Prestenter: Dr Diedrich Visser (ARC-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants and University of Pretoria)

Content
This workshop will draw on the practical experience of the presenter to provide macro photography beginners with hints and tips on how to take high quality, eye-catching insect photographs for their research and public engagement.

No prior knowledge is required to participate in this workshop.

Participants should bring their own camera and be familiar with how to use it. Even a camera on a smart device can take brilliant insect photos, and the workshop will address how to do so. A macro lens is not essential.

Location: Zoology Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria

Registration
Registration includes all catering and course materials.
• Registration Fee: R250
• Registration and proof of payment due: 13 September 2019

Aphid surveillance and identification

November 2019

Presenters: Dr Ian Millar (ARC-Plant Protection Research) and Prof. Kerstin Krüger (University of Pretoria)

Content
This workshop will train participants in methods used for surveillance of aphids, their biology and identification. This is a vital skill for producers of maize, potatoes, brassica crops (e.g., cabbages, broccoli), and other important vegetable crops due to the damage caused by aphid feeding and their ability to transmit plant viruses.

Only a basic knowledge of insect morphology is required to participate in this workshop.

Location: Zoology Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria

Registration
Registration includes all catering, course materials, dissecting equipment and transport during the workshop.
• Registration Fee: To be confirmed
• Registration and proof of payment due: To be confirmed