Course: Surveying for Beetles

Beetles are one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of insects on the planet, with roles ranging from decomposers and predators to pollinators and seed dispersers. They’re essential players in healthy ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients, control pests, and indicate the state of the environments they inhabit.

But how do we begin to uncover what’s happening in the world of beetles?

In this webinar, we’ll dive into the techniques used to survey beetles — from simple, accessible approaches anyone can try, to more advanced methods used by entomologists and ecological researchers. You’ll gain a practical overview of survey techniques designed to capture the richness and variety of beetle life, including:

• Pitfall Traps – A classic and effective method for ground-dwelling beetles, great for monitoring diversity and activity.
• Beating and Sweeping – Active techniques ideal for sampling beetles in shrubs, trees, and tall vegetation.
• Light Trapping – A night-time method useful for attracting nocturnal beetles like click beetles and longhorns.
• Baited Traps – Designed to lure beetles with rotting fruit, pheromones, or dung, depending on target species.
• Leaf Litter Sampling – Perfect for uncovering the secret lives of beetles in woodland floors and damp habitats.
• Bespoke Species Surveys – Species-specific surveys that target the microhabitats of a particular species, such as searching host plants or deadwood.

We’ll walk through the strengths and limitations of each method, considerations for choosing the right approach for your research or interest, and how your data can contribute to wider beetle monitoring efforts such as national Coleoptera recording schemes or local biodiversity projects.

Whether you’re a professional entomologist, practising ecologist or conservationist, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to begin surveying beetles confidently and contribute to the growing effort to understand and conserve this incredible group.

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 presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.