Diptera of Cyprus
Posted by Alan Outen on 21 May 2012 17:19:16
Eddie John, who coordinates the butterfly recording scheme for Cyprus, together with David Sparrow, who has co-authored a very impressive book on the Reptiles and Amphibians of Cyprus, (though both live in Britain) have embarked on a project to produce a guide to the Wildlife of Cyprus. They are asking various people to help with this, covering different groups of organisms. They have got me involved mainly in providing them with quite a few images but have asked if I could help in either writing or finding someone to write a small chapter on Diptera.
What they are looking for someone willing to write a chapter of perhaps 6 pages which gives some background information about the order, then an indication of the of the main families and then a few representative species. Chapters are aimed at below expert level, but authoritative in style to appeal to those with a keen interest in Cyprus wildlife. They are hoping to have the texts available by the end of the year.
They don't expect the book to be a commercial enterprise so are not in a position to pay for the contributions. The objective is too keep the book affordable in the hope of stimulating greater interest in the island's biodiversity among both tourists and residents and all involved are doing this for nothing as they feel they want to 'put something back'.
I do not think there would be a great deal of work involved. There is no need for great deal of text, more important to illustrate a few of the common or distinctive representative species though it would be necessary to ensure that these are correctly identified and that names are those in current use. I do have images of a few species taken in Cyprus which I can send you if you wish.
Anyway I think at this stage that is sufficient as preliminary information. Please let me know if anyone might be interested or if you want more information / have any questions I will hope to help.
Please contact me direct in the first instance if anyone might be interested.
Many thanks
Alan