At the event in Edinburgh on 23 May, experts will give advice on how to encourage species into gardens.
Pond-dipping and wildlife walks are also planned. Stirling-based Buglife has previously been involved in efforts to conserve wood ants in the Highlands and bog bush crickets in Dumfries and Galloway. Riverfly expert Craig Macadam will give talks on mayflies and on what Buglife has been doing to conserve rare bugs in Scotland over the past year. He said: “The open day is a great opportunity for people interested in wildlife to learn more about bugs. “We have some really entertaining talks, and lots of information on everything from building your own bee home, to ideas to get your children interested in wildlife.” Last summer, Buglife expressed “profound shock” over a UK government report showing a decline in zooplankton of more than 70% since the 1960s.
The tiny animals are an important food for fish, mammals and crustaceans.