Training School – Identifying Insects of Ruminant Dung (May 11-14, 2026)

The ENVIRANT Training School, “Identifying Insects of Ruminant Dung,” will take place at the Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands, Scotland, from 11–14 May 2026 as a four-day, hands-on course for a maximum of 10 participants. The training focuses on the diverse insect communities that colonise and recycle ruminant dung, which play an important role in pastureland ecosystem services and the sustainability of animal husbandry.

Dung-associated invertebrates are highly sensitive to residues of veterinary parasiticides excreted in dung, and these residues can cause both lethal and sub-lethal effects. Because of this, the ability to identify key dung-colonising species is essential for assessing environmental impacts, yet this remains a challenge due to limited taxonomic expertise. This training school is designed to address that gap by equipping participants with practical skills in the identification of pastureland insects associated with ruminant dung.

The course will be particularly relevant for researchers working across disciplines linked to the ENVIRANT programme, especially early-career researchers with limited previous entomological experience. Training will be delivered by Prof. Richard Wall from the University of Bristol, Dr Bryony Sands from the Moredun Research Institute, and Elisabeth Glatzhofer from the Vienna Institute for Nature Conservation & Analyses (VINCA).

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify key morphological and life-cycle features used in insect identification, design and independently carry out trapping and extraction of dung-colonising insects, and identify dung beetles and flies using dichotomous keys.

Programme highlights

The four-day programme combines lectures, laboratory work, and field-based practical sessions. Participants will receive an introduction to insect morphology, life cycles, taxonomy, dung ecology, and the basics of insect identification, before progressing to hands-on identification of dung-dwelling insects using pinned specimens and material collected in the field. Practical training will include pitfall trapping, hand searching, floatation methods, and more focused identification sessions on flies and beetles. The programme also includes an optional visit to Edinburgh at the end of the course.

Application

For applicant selection, interested candidates are asked to be sent to mmarva@unileon.es a letter of interest no later than 8 April 2026. This should include a brief CV, an explanation of why they would like to participate, and a short note on how they will apply the knowledge gained within their research groups.

To support application filtering, applicants should include the subject line: “ENVIRANT. TS application. Insects of Ruminants Dung.”

Practical information

The training school will be hosted at the Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, Scotland. Travel and accommodation information will be shared shortly.