We would like to take the opportunity to invite you to a course on the small and exciting insects thrips (Thysanoptera). Thrips is an order of very small insects. Some of these are known as pests, but these are a very small percentage of all the world's known species. Most species live a hidden life, in for example, flowers, soil, bark or dead wood. Some are important pollinators, others decomposers, some are predators. It is also an exciting and largely unknown insect order when it comes to systematics, taxonomy and ecology. And not least a highly relevant species group in times of climate change, spread of invasive species, and biological plant protection.
The course provides an introduction to thrips species richness, relationships, collection, preparation and identification. The target group is researchers, employees of municipalities/county boards/authorities and museums, consultants and students, or others who work with, for example, species, management, conservation and environment. But everyone who is interested is welcome, professional or amateur! The course is given in English and we combine lectures with labs and collection in the field over a couple of intensive days.
Date, place and price:
Date: August 26–28, 2024. Place: Tovetorp research station in Björnlunda, Södermanland, Sweden. The last date for registration is July 27th, but the number of places is limited, so register as soon as possible! Register via e-mail to emma.wahlberg@nrm.se.
Cost: 1 500 SEK incl. VAT (1 200 SEK excl. VAT), accommodation and food are included.
ForBio will not cover travel and accommodation for ForBio members or ForBio associates attending to the course.
Course leaders:
Emma Wahlberg, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Sweden, works with the Swedish species richness of thrips. The research is financed from 2021 with funds from the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative and aims to map and describe Swedish thrips species, convey knowledge and data to researchers, decision makers, students and the public and provide modern tools for identification. This will lead to knowledge about the Swedish species, where they are found, and how they are recognised.
Manfred R. Ulitzka, Thrips-iD, Germany, is one of Europe's foremost experts on thrips. He has participated in several projects in Europe and South America. Through Thrips-iD, Manfred carries out consultations, species determinations and teaching. With his commitment, he tries to pay attention to the smallest things, which have great significance in a larger context. Like thrips. He is also a fantastically talented photographer, which you can see on the website: https://www.thrips-id.com/
Tovetorp:
Tovetorp's research station was inaugurated in 1969 and over the years a large number of research projects have been successfully conducted at Tovetorp. Focus areas are studies of animal behavior and ecology, but botanical and zoological studies have also been carried out. Over the years, many successful research collaborations have been established with both national and international research institutions. We continue to welcome both internal and external projects and the overall goal of the station is to provide functional infrastructure for innovative research.
Since the opening of the course building in 1994, extensive teaching activities have been carried out. Every year, the station is visited by several hundred students from various courses mainly in biology at Stockholm University. Courses from other universities and colleges are also welcomed.
Questions?
You are welcome to contact Emma Wahlberg!
Contact: Quentin Mauvisseau - Micah Dunthorn for practicalities.