Insects

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), often referred to as the ‘murder hornet’, has captured the world’s attention due to its size, aggressive nature, and the potential threat it poses to both humans and honey bee populations. These hornets, native to Asia, have a reputation for their powerful stings and painful bites. The Asian hornet […]

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is a species native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has become an invasive species in Europe, causing significant concern for the UK’s ecosystem. This comprehensive article will explore the biology, behaviour, and ecological impact of this aggressive and adaptable insect. We will

The rat-tailed maggot, Eristalis tenax, is a larval stage of the drone fly and has garnered attention for its distinctive morphological features and its association with myiasis in animals and humans. These aquatic maggots can be found in a wide range of environments, including stagnant water, polluted water, and fields rich in organic matter. This

The emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) is an unmistakable and fascinating insect belonging to the Saturniidae family, commonly known as the silk-moth family. Found across a range of habitats, including heaths, moorland plants, and sand dunes, these captivating creatures exhibit striking features and unique behaviours, making them a favourite among entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike. This

The mouse spider (Missulena) is a fascinating and often misunderstood creature. This article delves into their identification, habitat, distribution, venom, and behaviour, providing valuable information for anyone interested in these intriguing arachnids. Let’s take a closer look at the world of the mouse spider. Identification Physical Characteristics Mouse spiders belong to the Missulena genus and

Do you ever get the creepy-crawlies when you see a spider? We all know spiders can be scary, but did you know that their place in human culture goes beyond that of just being creepy? Spiders have been part of mythology and folklore for centuries, with stories from all around the world featuring them. In

Have you ever seen a moth with an impressive set of antennae that resemble an old-fashioned moustache? If so, then you may have encountered the vapourer moth, also known as Orgyia Antiqua. This fascinating species of moth is found all over the world and has some unique characteristics that make it truly one-of-a-kind. The vapourer

Are you having trouble with spiders nesting in your window frames? Frustrating as it may be, this difficulty doesn’t have to remain. In this article, we’ll investigate the steps you should take to put an end to spiders settling in your window frames and guarantee they don’t return. We’ll look at identifying the issue, prevention

Do you dread the thought of seeing a spider in your bedroom while trying to sleep? Keeping spiders away from where we rest is an important part of maintaining our peace and comfort. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to keep spiders away while sleeping, including natural repellents, cleaning tips and prevention strategies. Whether it’s

The rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) is a species of silk moths native to North America, and an interesting example of the variety found in nature. With its bright pink and yellow wings, this beautiful creature can be spotted across deciduous forests in both summer and fall. Though often overlooked due to their small size,