Articles
100 articles on insects, identification, ecology, and the natural world.
The Complete Guide to British Ladybird Species
A comprehensive guide to the ladybird species found in Britain, covering identification of the most common species, the harlequin ladybird invasion, lifecycle, ...
Species GuidesWhat Do Crane Flies Really Do?
Separating fact from myth about crane flies (Tipulidae), the gangly 'daddy-long-legs' of the insect world, covering their true biology, their leatherjacket larv...
IdentificationInsects That Bite: A UK Identification Guide
Identify the insects most likely to bite you in the UK, learn when and where bites occur, and understand how to treat and prevent them.
IdentificationHow to Identify Moth Species in the UK
A practical guide to identifying British moths — covering key features, common species, moth trapping techniques, and resources for beginners.
GardeningBest Plants for Attracting Pollinators
Transform your garden into a pollinator paradise with these proven plant choices that attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects.
Practical GuidesNocturnal Insects: A Guide to Night-Flying Species
A practical guide to nocturnal insects, covering the moths, beetles, and other species active after dark, why insects fly at night, moth trapping techniques, an...
GardeningHow to Build a Compost Heap That Attracts Beneficial Insects
A practical guide to creating and managing a compost heap that supports beneficial insects including beetles, flies, and other decomposers that improve soil hea...
ScienceInsect Life Cycle Explained
From egg to adult, insects undergo remarkable transformations. Learn about complete and incomplete metamorphosis and why it matters.
GardeningWhat Is Biological Pest Control?
Learn how biological pest control uses natural enemies to manage garden pests without chemicals, from ladybirds and lacewings to parasitic wasps and nematodes.
Species GuidesWhat Are the Most Colourful Insects?
Explore the most vibrant insects on Earth — from iridescent jewel beetles and morpho butterflies to structural colour in dragonflies and pigment-based warning p...
IdentificationWhat Is the Difference Between Flies and Mosquitoes?
A clear comparison of flies and mosquitoes, explaining their shared membership of the order Diptera, key anatomical differences, feeding behaviours, lifecycles,...
IdentificationWhat Are Sawflies?
An introduction to sawflies (suborder Symphyta), their relationship to wasps and bees, their plant-feeding larvae that resemble caterpillars, and their ecologic...