Britain's Insects
Discover the Insects of Great Britain, with curated news, guides, articles and useful websites
Articles
10 Insects to Look Out For Around the Waterways
(Inland Waterways Association)
Insects & invertebrates articles and news archive
(Countryfile)
Fantastic mini-beasts (and how to revive them)
(Rewilding Britain)
Strange (but true) Facts about Insects
(UK Safari)
A to Z of British Insects
(Conservation Jobs)
A guide to common families of Coleoptera in the British Isles (.pdf)
(Natural History Museum)
Butterflies and moths news and articles archive
(Natural History Museum)
Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference
(Woodland Trust)
Where to see dragonflies and damselflies
(Wildlife Trusts)
Useful Websites
Insects of Great Britain
There are more than 20,000 insects of Great Britain, this page provides lists by order and further pages on each species.
Buglife
The only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates. Actively working to save Britain’s rarest little animals…
The Royal Entomological Society
Devoted to the promotion and development of entomological science. With bug identifying help on site and more…
Common UK insect identification
Do you know the difference between beetles and bugs? Or what makes an insect an insect? Learn the basics about the UK’s most common types…
Creepy-Crawlies – UK Safari
Close up photos and information about invertebrates found in the United Kingdom…
British Bugs
An online identification guide to UK Hemiptera (not yet mobile friendly).
Insects and other invertebrates – RSPB
Find out more about the common insects and other invertebrates you could find in your garden.
Insects & Arthropods – First Nature
There are at least a million insect species on our planet, and some experts believe that the true figure is ten times that number…
British beetle guide
A guide from Countryfile on where to see and how to identify British Beetles.
Amateur Entomologists’ Society
One of the UK’s leading organisations for people interested in insects.
Butterfly Conservation
British charity devoted to saving butterflies, moths and their habitats throughout the UK.
UK Butterflies
Building a Community of Responsible Butterfly Enthusiasts…
The Riverfly Partnership
Riverflies, along with other freshwater invertebrates, are at the heart of the freshwater ecosystem…
UK Beetle Recording
The most recent checklist of beetles of the British Isles includes 4072 species in 103 families, listed in taxonomic order…
British Entomological & Natural History Society
Promotion and advancement of research in entomology…
Dipterists Forum
Promotes the study, recording and conservation of true flies in the British Isles…
Butterflies and moths – Wildlife Trusts
A guide to butterflies and moths at the Wildlife Trusts Wildlife Explorer section.
UK moths
Online guide to the moths of Great Britain and Ireland.
UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
A well-established and enjoyable recording method and important insights into almost all aspects of butterfly ecology…
Grasshoppers and Related Insects Recording Scheme
There are 27 native species of grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera) and a number of naturalised species…
Grasshoppers & Crickets – Wildlife Trusts
An id guide to Britain’s grasshoppers and crickets from the Wildlife Trusts.
Bee identification guide
Bee identification guide for beginners – learn how to identify different bees, when they are active, and where to spot them…
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
With identification and species guides at a charity fighting for the conservation of the species and their habitats.
British Dragonfly Society
Working to conserve dragonflies and their wetland habitats. Includes identification guides and much more.
Latest News
Sponsored listings
BBC Wildlife Magazine Subscription
Your guide to the natural world, showcasing the wonder and beauty of wildlife.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Subscription
Inspiration to enjoy and explore the great British countryside.
Collins Butterfly Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe
This comprehensive guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe features over 400 species, depicting both male and female insects. Species descriptions include details on taxonomic nomenclature, distribution, flight period, variation, habitat, behaviour and life cycle.
The Bee Bible: 50 Ways to Keep Bees Buzzing
Celebrating a union of human and insect that has lasted millennia, Coulthard’s attractive volume worships at the altar of the hive. Elucidating the many and varied things that the humble bee does for our species in a fresh, fun and informative way, The Bee Bible is an enduring tribute to our buzzing buddies.