Fascinating Flies

Did you know that flies recycle waste, midges pollinate chocolate, and mosquitoes inspire medical innovations?

Dive into the world of flies with Dr Erica McAlister, an expert entomologist at the Natural History Museum, London. Discover their incredible adaptations, astonishing lifestyles, and crucial roles in our ecosystems. From their surprising contributions to agriculture to their innovative impact on science, this course will change everything you thought you knew about flies. Ready to uncover the secrets of these fascinating insects? 

  • Instructor:
    Dr Erica McAlister

  • Level: Beginner

  • Number of chapters: 21 

  • Course length: 2 hours

  • Course workbook included

Learn

In this course, explore: 
  • the incredible variety of flies and their unique evolutionary adaptations 
  • the crucial roles flies play in ecosystems and their benefits to agriculture, research, and medicine 
  • fly reproductive strategies and the processes of larval development and metamorphosis
  • a scientific tour of the fly body blueprint, from head to terminalia, and discover their functional adaptations

Course plan

Meet your scientist

Dr Erica McAlister

Dr Erica McAlister is the Principal Curator for Flies and Fleas at the Natural History Museum in London, where she has been recording, researching, and describing flies across the world for over 16 years. Her extensive work in dipterology has made significant contributions to understanding the biodiversity and ecological roles of flies. Erica's research not only encompasses the classification and distribution of these insects but also emphasizes their importance in various ecosystems.


In addition to her scientific endeavors, Erica is deeply involved in public engagement. She frequently appears on TV and radio, sharing her passion for entomology with a broader audience. Through her popular articles and books, she aims to educate and inspire people about the fascinating world of flies, shedding light on their crucial ecological functions and the beauty of insect diversity.
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Expand your knowledge about Flies!