What's on

Learn about subterranean and generalist species of UK harvestmen species with Meg Skinner.

Harvestmen are arachnids in the order Opiliones. Unlike spiders, they have a single, fused body segment, lack venom and silk glands, cannot spin webs and have a single pair of eyes mounted on a small turret-like structure on top of their head. They have long, thin legs and typically feed on small insects, decaying matter, and fungi. They live in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and caves, and are commonly found under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter.

This entoLEARN webinar will explore the diversity and ecology of subterranean and generalist species of harvestmen, focusing on their habitats, physical characteristics, and distribution patterns. The session will highlight recent discoveries and potential range expansions, emphasising the value of continued fieldwork and recording efforts. It will also address the challenges of accurate species identification and the importance of microhabitats.

At the end of the session, learners should have a deeper understanding of some of the subterranean and generalist species of harvestmen, including:

• Megabunus diadema
• Odiellus spinosus
• Nelima gothica
• Platybunus pinetorum
• Sabacon viscayanum

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden diversity in our gardens and countryside. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable arachnids.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

This entoLIVE webinar is hosted by the Biological Recording Company. Visit the link below for more information and tickets.

Dr Geoff Oxford (our BAS Hon Secretary and a past President) shares new research reappraising the phenomenon of industrial melanism in British spiders. His review of the subject has recently been published in our journal Arachnology. 

Industrial melanism refers to the phenomenon whereby some invertebrates evolved dark (melanic) forms in response to the darkening by soot of their resting surfaces during the Industrial Revolution. This response provided a clear example of Darwin's 'evolution by natural selection' and was particularly well studies in moths. In this webinar Geoff will reappraise three claimed examples of industrial melanism in spiders and draw conclusions as to whether they constitute genuine exemplars of the phenomenon.

Geoff taught genetics and evolution at the University of York for nearly 40 years. His research focussed largely on the adaptive significance of colour polymorphisms in spiders and on speciation and hybridization in Large house spider species. 

Please note the new venue of this popular, family-friendly event which attracts 20 to 30 invertebrate organisations both national and local, and includes a number of lectures. The BAS will be there with a stand and we'll be keen to help with all your arachnological queries!

The NFBR's conference on the subject of Data for Nature will consider what kind of data we most need in order to rescue the UK's natural environment, and how we can ensure this is properly funded and accessible in order to achieve lasting nature recovery. Speakers will represent a range of perspectives and we welcome anyone with an interest in biological records and nature recovery to join the conversation.

Meg Skinner, organiser of the BAS Harvestman Recording Scheme will be delivering a talk on Friday 8th May as part of this event: "Harvestmen: Insights into an overlooked group".