6 days to go to Insect Week

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Ladybird Days
Dr Helen Roy Helen Roy is a research ecologist at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Her research focuses on the effects of environmental change on insect populations and communities. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of invasive non-native species and their effects on native...
Hover flies, leaf-cutter bees and ‘no-see-ums’
In August last year LE contacted me from Shropshire about an insect invasion of her car port. There were seeming thousands of insects, which despite the open construction clustered under the roof and once they died needed shovelling up. The majority of these insects were flies and specifically...
Spot a 2-spot!
Harlequin ladybirds are a highly successful invasive species whose numbers have rocketed over the past few years. The concern about the Harlequin’s success is that they can outcompete native species such as the 2-spot ladybird for their aphid prey, and that the Harlequin larvae may eat smaller...
Favouring the scorpion fly
“What’s your favourite insect?” I usually hate those sorts of question – your favourite “anything” tends to change from day to day – but for me the answer is simple. My favourite insect is Panorpa communis , the scorpion fly. © Matt Cole Male scorpion fly, Panorpa communis perched on a green...
Eyes are your best piece of equipment!
A great thing about getting stuck into insects is that you don’t really need any kit, at least, not to get started. Insect hunting isn’t like golf; there’s no need to have “all the gear and no idea”. However, once you get going you’ll probably want to invest in a few things to help you get more out...
Exploring the insect world
There are so many ways to have an encounter with insects in the UK. People, young and old, can get out and marvel at the beauty and fascination of the insect world in this country. You don’t have to live in the countryside either! Even educated weevils do it! Interesting insects can be found under...

What is Insect Week?

Insect Week encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.

Every two years, the Royal Entomological Society organises the week, supported by a large number of partner organisations with interests in the science, natural history and conservation of insects.