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Training programme in Entomology with specialisation in Dolichopodidae (Diptera) of Southeast Asia

 Description of project: 

Research project: In search of ancestral groups in Southeast Asia – partim Diptera. Dolichopodidae are predatory flies that have a regulatory function of populations of small insects and in particular flies. Xylobiont dolichopodids are particular important for the control of xylophagous insects such as woodborers (Coleoptera, Scolytidae). In addition they could be used in biological control of pest insects in nurseries of vegetables where insecticides cannot be used. Finally, the high diversity of dolichopodids and their narrow links to microhabitats make them as ideal indicators in site quality assessments.
Duration of training: 
3 weeks
Training period: 
To be discussed with mentor
Target Audience: 
MSc students, PhD students as well as for early career researchers
Practical experiences: 
- Techniques (preparations, collection techniques) - Identification of Dolichopodidae - Linking faunistic data to the type of vegetation - Data analysis: training in Excel, Access, Pcord (multivariate analysis), Photoshop and principles of Corel draw. - Experience in writing a scientific paper
Lectures: 
- Systematics of the superfamily Empidoidea (Diptera) and family Dolichopodidae - Zoogeography of the Oriental Realm - Intro to site quality assessment, databasing and collection management
Seminars: 
- Feeding and mating behaviour in Dolichopodidae - Dolichopodidae in mangroves - Biodiversity research in Singapore: an example
Name of mentor / supervisor: 
Dr Patrick Grootaert
Institution/Organisation: 
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
EDIT partner number: 
13
Unit/Department/Laboratory: 
Entomology Department
Address: 
Vautierstraat 29 B-1000 Brussels Belgium