Identifying Carrion Beetles

Returning to the National Museums Collection Centre, this workshop will focus on the fascinating – if slightly macabre – world of carrion beetles! Carrion beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Silphinae) are a fascinating group of insects, that play a vital role in our ecosystems. In this workshop you will learn about the weird and wonderful natural history of Carrion beetles, monitoring methods and how to confidently identify these beetle to species. This workshop will be composed of an introductory talk and identification session using both hand lenses and microscopes, led by Ashleigh Whiffin from National Museums Scotland (NMS).

Suitable for: Beginners, ages 16+

Tutor: Ashleigh is the Curator of Entomology at NMS, responsible for the care, curation and development of the insect collection. She has a particular focus on British insects, Coleoptera, and especially Silphinae – i.e. carrion beetles – and is the co-organiser National Carrion Beetle Recording Scheme.

What to bring: Notepad and pen recommended. Spare hand-lenses will be available, but do bring your own if you have one! Packed lunch strongly recommended, but there are shops nearby if anyone prefers to purchase lunch on the day.

Cost: Free – donations to TWIC welcome. Please note that a charge may apply for on-street parking - details of potential charges available on the Edinburgh Council Website.

Choose either the free ticket type or the donation ticket type (minimum donation £1). Donations to TWIC will support our work in organising biological recording training workshops and events. If you prefer to donate directly to TWIC, please visit: https://wildlifeinformation.co.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/.

Travel: The National Museums Collection Centre is off West Granton Road in the North-West of Edinburgh. A number of buses run to this area – see the Lothian Buses website for details. Bike parking is available. Pedestrian access to the Collection Centre is the small gate to the right of the larger metal gate for vehicles. NMS is only able to offer on-site parking for those with disabilities – on-street parking available nearby for all others.

Booking essential! Places limited to 11.

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TWIC acknowledges financial support from NatureScot.

Cover Photo: Banded Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus investigator) courtesy of Ashleigh Whiffin