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Training programme in palaeoentomology with specialisation in planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

 Description of project: 

The Cixiidae is one of the oldest families within Fulgoromorpha, believed to be crucial for any phylogenetic reconstructions as comprising numerous “basal” taxa. The oldest true Cixiidae (and their relatives) are known since the Lower Cretaceous, but the record is scarce. Younger deposits, especially Eocene Baltic amber presents much more diversity of this group. However, only a few taxa are formally described, most of them calling for revisionary studies. The group calls for special attention, including their morphology, disparity and palaeodiversity, which are vital for both phylogenetic and evolutionary research.
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 (observation, preparation, preservation) - Identification of Cixiidae - Linking palaeoentomological data to the reconstruction of palaeoenvironment - Data analysis: training in preparation of drawings and photographs, documentation and databasing - Experience in writing a scientific paper
Lectures: 
- Systematics of the superfamily Fulgoroidea (Hemiptera) and family Cixiidae - Classification, evolution and distribution of Cixiidae - Taphonomy of insects
Seminars: 
- Morphology and disparity of Cixiidae - Distributional patterns of the Cixiidae - Palaeobiodiversity research – Eocene of Europe as example
Name of mentor / supervisor: 
Dr. Jacek Szwedo
Institution/Organisation: 
Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences
EDIT partner number: 
16
Unit/Department/Laboratory: 
Zoological Museum
Address: 
64, Wilcza Street, PL 00-679 Warszawa, Poland