The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

The Diptera ("di-ptera" = two-winged) or "true flies" is the largest order of animals in the UK with around 7,000 known species and new ones being discovered every year. They are found in all habitats from the sea shore to mountain tops. Whilst some are agricultural pests or vectors of disease, the great majority are beneficial. They are extremely important as predators on other pests and diseases, as pollinators, as food for other animals and the immature stages of the bulk of the species are involved in the decay of organic matter and the recycling of material back into the soil.

Entomologists who specialise in these insects are "dipterists". In 1993, a group of people who wanted to find out more about every aspect of their lives, including the habitats they require, set up the Dipterists Forum. There is a great deal still to learn about flies. Mapping the distribution of some groups is a major achievement of the Dipterists Forum to date, but the immature stages of the majority of species are still unknown. Many species are becoming increasingly rare as a result of habitat loss and climate change.

Why not join the Dipterists Forum and help us find out more about flies? There is so much still to learn; we welcome beginners and there are always people who can help you out in the early stages. You don’t need to be an expert, or even to leave your own garden, to contribute to our knowledge of these fascinating insects. Flies need your help! Read more ...

• So how do I join?
• Benefits of membership
• Objectives of Dipterists Forum
• Diptera recording schemes

This is just a reminder of the following upcoming events for your diary.  We look forward to meeting people interested in Diptera at any of them!

4th July 2009, Insect Festival, York Museum and Gardens. Organised by Royal Entomological Society.  See www.royensoc.co.uk/events 

4-11 July 2009, DF Summer Field Meeting – Swansea (Gower peninsula, S Wales Coast) Contact Roger Morris to book, 7 Vine Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1QE, roger.morris@dsl.pipex.com

September 2009, DF Autumn Field Meeting – Southern Scotland.  This meeting has yet to be fully organised.  The intention is to run a two-centre meeting over a full week. Roger has yet to determine which would be the best week but this will be advertised on the DF website as soon as known.

17th  October 2009, AES Annual Exhibition and Trade Fair, Kempton Park, London. DF will have a publicity stand and publications for sale. 

7th November 2009 Worcestershire Entomology Day, organised by the Wyre Forest Study Group. Heightington Village Hall near Bewdley.  MalcolmSmart@talktalk.net

14th November 2009, BENHS Annual Exhibition and Dinner, Imperial College, London.  DF members invited to exhibit flies.  www.benhs.org.uk

28-29 November 2009, Dipterists Day and DF AGM, Natural History Museum, London. Details of programme on DF website as soon as known.

Judy

I know it is difficult to think about writing when the sun is shining and there are flies out there to catch, but this is a reminder that we would very much like your articles on anything to do with Diptera for the next Bulletin newsletter.  For example, interesting fly behaviour, new observations on habitat preferences, or flowers preferred, would all be welcome.  Beginners should not be put off by thinking only those with experience can write in; maybe 'flies of my garden' from a beginner will encourage others just starting out in this field.  Photographs or drawings to go with your piece would be welcome. 
Look inside the last Bulletin on page 40 for instructions as to how to contribute your article.  The deadline for contributions is the 31st July 2009, but it helps us a lot if you could get your article in sooner than that.
This means the Bulletin can be in your letterbox mid September, in good time to remind you of all the important Autumn events.
In the last Bulletin, Rachel Gibson asked everyone regularly out field collecting to send her specimens of Conopids for her research.  Don't forget! I have not been lucky enough to catch even one yet, but there is always next week.  Now I must get down to writing about that interesting bit of Stratiomyid larval behaviour seen this spring......
Judy

The next Dipterists Forum event is this field meeting scheduled for the weekend after the Bank Holiday, based in Pickering.  Accommodation will be based in guest houses for bed and breakfast, with eating out in local pubs/restaurants each evening.  Please get in touch with the Field Meetings Secretary, Roger Morris, as soon as possible f you would like to know more about the habitats the group will be visiting and also to book a place.  Roger will make the arrangements with guest houses.

Email: roger.morris@dsl.pipex.com

The second announcement for the International Workshop was issued last week. The web-site is here.

It will be held in Serbia at the Fruska gora National Park from the 18th to the 21st of June 2009 with an excursion on 22nd of June. All presentations and accomodation will be in the Center for Economical and Technological Development of the Province of Vojvodina in Fruska gora (which is about 70km from Belgrade). The registration fee includes transport to and from the airport.

This is a message to all our Registered Users and casual Visitors.  Now is a really good time to actually take the plunge and join the Dipterists Forum.  Bulletin 67 is in preparation at the moment and will be posted out to all members in a few weeks time - why not get yourself on our list?.  This next one is a bumper issue with lots of interesting news, articles, meeting reports and other stuff, including the newsletters of the various fly recording schemes.  Basic membership of the Forum is only £6 and this entitles you to the 2 copies of the Bulletin produced each year.  This is really good value.  The Bulletin is printed in black and white, A4 format, but the version which is later posted on this website will be in full colour (you still need to be a member to view it on the website).  Join up and see how much more we have to offer!
Judy