Articles
16 articles on insects, identification, ecology, and the natural world.
Insects 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.
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...
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 Thrips?
An introduction to thrips (order Thysanoptera), their minute size, fringed wings, plant-feeding habits, and significance as agricultural pests and occasional po...
IdentificationHow to Tell Bees, Wasps and Hoverflies Apart
Bees, wasps, and hoverflies can look confusingly similar. Learn the key visual and behavioural differences to identify them confidently.
IdentificationWhat Are Shield Bugs?
A guide to identifying shield bugs (Pentatomidae) — their distinctive shape, biology, common UK species, and how to tell them apart from similar-looking insects...
IdentificationHow to Identify Common Butterfly Species in the UK
A practical field guide to identifying the most frequently encountered butterfly species in Britain, with key features, flight periods, and habitat preferences ...
IdentificationHow to Identify Insect Eggs
A practical guide to identifying insect eggs found in gardens and the countryside, covering common egg shapes, colours, placement strategies, and tips for ident...
IdentificationBeetle vs Bug: What Is the Difference?
Beetles and bugs are often confused, but they belong to entirely different insect orders. Learn the key anatomical and biological differences between Coleoptera...
IdentificationHow to Identify Common UK Insects
A practical field guide to recognising the most frequently encountered insects across Britain, from garden beetles to meadow butterflies.
IdentificationHow to Identify Ant Species in the UK
A practical guide to identifying the most common ant species found in the United Kingdom, covering key identification features, habitat preferences, and behavio...