Acarology Summer Program
— Offered by University of Arkansas Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology —
In its 70th year (and 3rd year at the University of Arkansas), the Acarology Summer Program will once again offer courses to teach researchers, technicians, and students from around the world how to recognize and identify mites. Instructors will be brought in to share their expertise in mite biology, collection, identification, and management using specimens from the University of Arkansas collections. Whether you're new to mites or hoping to expand your breadth of knowledge, come join the long legacy of acarologists that have attended the Acarology Summer Program.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
All necessary materials will be supplied by the program.
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
(or later each day)
Introduction to Acarology
This one-week course will introduce students to mite diversity, including lessons on how to identify a broad diversity of mites, lectures on the taxonomy, evolution, morphology, and biology of various mite groups, and techniques for collection, storage, and slide making. Students will leave with the knowledge and toolset necessary to begin working with mites and will be prepared to take more advanced mite courses in the program.
May 26 - 31, 2025
Agricultural Acarology
This two-week course concentrates on the Acari associated with agricultural systems, including both pest and beneficial mites. This includes extensive discussion and examination of Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae, Eriophyidae, Astigmata, and many other groups of plant associated mites. The main emphasis will be on identification and systematics of both adults and immatures, but this course will have a strong secondary emphasis on management, collection and curation techniques, and mite life-history. After completion of the course, participants will be proficient in the identification of a broad diversity of agriculturally relevant mites.
June 2 – 13, 2025
Housing Information
Housing will be on campus, just a few minute walk from the classroom, in suite-style dormitory rooms with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, washer and dryer, and kitchen. Each participant will have their own bedroom. The apartment complex has a community center including fitness equipment. Participants may find their own housing options but will be responsible for getting themselves to the program each day.
Housing costs include lodging and linens for three weeks. Meals are not covered in the costs and are the responsibility of each participant.
Limited financial assistance may be available in the form of partial registration or housing waivers. Travel and per diem funds are not available. More details coming soon.
These workshops involve long hours, often 9-10 hours per day, most of it spent listening to lectures and identifying mites through the microscope. Participants must be able to spend long hours looking through the microscope in order to get the most out of the workshop.
Summer program t-shirts will be available for purchase during the course.