Information about training programme

• Title of training: Training programme in palaeoentomology with specialisation in planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha - Research project: “Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) from the Eocene Baltic amber”
• Description of project: The Cixiidae is one of the oldest families within Fulgoromorpha, believed to be crucial for any phylogenetic reconstructions as comprising numerous “basal” taxa. The oldest true Cixiidae (and their relatives) are known since the Lower Cretaceous, but the record is scarce. Younger deposits, especially Eocene Baltic amber presents much more diversity of this group. However, only a few taxa are formally described, most of them calling for revisionary studies. The group calls for special attention, including their morphology, disparity and palaeodiversity, which are vital for both phylogenetic and evolutionary research.
• Duration of training: 3 weeks

Type of training

1. Practical experiences
• Techniques (observation, preparation, preservation)
• Identification of Cixiidae
• Linking palaeoentomological data to the reconstruction of palaeoenvironment
• Data analysis: training in preparation of drawings and photographs, documentation and databasing
• Experience in writing a scientific paper
2. Lectures
• Systematics of the superfamily Fulgoroidea (Hemiptera) and family Cixiidae
• Classification, evolution and distribution of Cixiidae
• Taphonomy of insects
3. Seminars
• Morphology and disparity of Cixiidae
• Distributional patterns of the Cixiidae
• Palaeobiodiversity research – Eocene of Europe as example

Contact information of mentor / supervisor

• Name of mentor / supervisor: Dr. Jacek Szwedo
• Institution / Organisation: Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences
• EDIT partner number: 16
• Unit / Department / Laboratory: Zoological Museum
• Address: 64, Wilcza Street, PL 00-679 Warszawa, Poland

Target audience: MSc students, PhD students as well as for early career researchers.