Welcome
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 ...
Dipterists Forum Wiki
I have added a new feature to the web-site: our own Wiki. If you don't know what a "Wiki" is, go to the introductory page and read about it.
It is meant for Dipterists Forum members - so, if you are in the "Committee" or "DF Member" user-groups, then you can edit the Wiki. Just logon in the normal way, and go to the Wiki - you should find that, when you are logged in, [Edit] buttons appear. Again, the introductory page, has more information.
The idea is that, working as a community, we collectively build a really useful source of information about flies.
You may have noticed that the "Glossary" section has gone from the menu. The reason is that I have moved it into the Wiki. The other two areas that are there at the moment are the flies currently listed on BAP and the accounts of British fly families.
Please help by adding to and improving these entries.
Are you a member of Dipterists Forum?
When you register as a user of this web-site, your status will be "Registered User" - which does not give you a great deal of access beyond that of a "Guest" who is not logged in.
To access the areas and facilities available to Forum members, I have to make you a member of the "DF Members" user-group.
Myself, and our membership secretary Mick Parker, are keeping on eye on the new registrations, trying to spot members and bump them up. But it is not always easy, because some people use rather cryptic user-names and don't fill in their real name.
So, if you are a Dipterists Forum member and haven't been flagged as such on the site, please email me (including your username!) and I will upgrade your status.
We would ask members to include their real name in their profile on the site so that people know who they are talking to on the forums. To do this:
- log on
- click "Profile" in the menu across the top of the page or in
the Navigation panel on the left
- click "Personal" in the Profile menu
- enter your name in the "Real name" edit box
- click the [Submit] button
Thanks
Dipterists Forum Bulletin 65
Spring workshop 2009
Summer Field Meeting 2008, Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore. 28 June - 5 July
This is an outstanding opportunity to visit the classic Scottish sites of the Spey Valley and Cairgorm. Accommodation is in twin rooms (option for single occupancy) with shared bathrooms/shower rooms. Prices are expected to be in the region of £32 / night for shared rooms or £42 for single. 30 places have been reserved and a deposit of £35 to Roger Morris is required to secure a place.
Glenmore Lodge is located about 7 miles east of Aviemore, on the road to Cairngorm, amongst Pine woodland and close to Loch Morlich. Consequently, you can step out of the door into prime habitat! The Centre's minibuses will be available to us, so you don't need to bring your car. There are regular train services direct to Aviemore on the East Coast main line and we can arrange for pickups from the station.
Stuart has stayed here a number of times on kayaking courses and can vouch for it being a pleasant and friendly place with good facilities (Bar, Gym, Swimming Pool, Climbing Wall) and the food is very good!
Contact: Roger Morris