Insect Dogfights: How Aerial Combat Shapes the Patterns of Insect Flight with The Biological Recording Company

We might think insects use flight as simply a way to get form A to B. However, along the way they will fly through a congested airspace. In flight, insects battle for prey, territory, and mate, performing dramatic aerial dogfights. This presentation will discuss the patterns of insect aerial pursuit and combat, through the use of 3D reconstruction of high-speed aerial engagements.

Dr Samuel T. Fabian is a research associate at Imperial College London. His work focusses on the ways in which insects are adapted to chase, fight, and capture each other in the air. The goal of his work is to understand the patterns of insect flight we see around us.

The 1-hour event will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available through the entoLIVE blog alongside a write-up of the Q&A and any links to further info.

entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists’ Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.