Event Summary (more info, maps, and checklists to come!)
Photo of Eastern Calligrapher Toxomerus geminatus by Doug Hitchcox, posted on iNaturalist to the Maine Flower Fly Survey
The Maine Entomological Society’s Winter Workshop is scheduled for January 10, 2025 from 9AM-5PM, and will take place in Augusta as previous years, in the Deering Building. This year’s theme will focus on flower flies (Syrphidae), tying in with the ongoing five-year Maine Flower Fly Survey. We are excited to announce that Dr. Jeff Skevington, one of the leading experts on flower flies from Ontario, will deliver the keynote program. Additional presentations will include a virtual talk from Scott Clem on hoverfly migration, as well as Dr. Ron Butler and Dr. Herb Wilson sharing updates and preliminary results from the Maine Flower Fly Survey. Attendance will be capped at around 60 participants, with registration open to both MES members and participants in the Flower Fly Survey. We ask for folks to register online (link to come soon!) and the fee will remain $20 per attendee to be paid in-person at the event.
As in past years, we’ll ask attendees to bring a brown bag lunch or potluck items, along with contributions for the silent auction. Necessary workshop supplies such as microscopes, forceps, and sorting dishes will be provided, though members are encouraged to bring additional equipment or specimens they’d like help identifying. We strongly encourage folks to bring their unidentified specimens to work through during the workshop, and bonus points if you have any extra to share.
Draft Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Introductions
Browse the silent auction and get settled.
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Biology, Life History, and Diversity of Flower Flies
Dr. Jeff Skevington will discuss the biology, life history, and diversity of flower flies, including key genera found in Maine.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Flower Fly Migration Research
Dr. Scott Clem will present his research on flower flies, including insights into migration patterns.
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Please bring your own lunch — food will not be provided.
1:30 – 2:30 PM
The Maine Flower Fly Survey
Dr. Herb Wilson and Dr. Ron Butler will share an overview of their citizen science survey, updates, and preliminary results.
2:30 – 5:00 PM
Hands-On Workshop: Identification Techniques
Dr. Jeff Skevington will lead a practical session on ID techniques for common Maine flower fly groups. Participants are encouraged to bring specimens from their own collections.