Insects & Invertebrates
What is an exoskeleton?
These marvels of evolutionary engineering, crafted by millions of years of adaptation, serve as both armour and architecture for a vast array of creatures across the globe.
This wonderfully weird poop-eating fly with no wings or eyes had scientists miffed. Until now...
For a long time, biologists were puzzled by the curious appearance and behaviour of the New Zealand bat fly. Now they think they've figured it out. Nick Baker reports...
6 of the biggest spiders in the UK: look for them in canals, gardens, ditches... and under your bed
Don't be fooled in thinking large spiders live on exotic shores as the UK is home to a few giants..
World's most venomous spiders: Are these deadly spiders as fearsome as their reputation?
Here are the most venomous spiders in the world, but just how deadly are they really?
Can spiders fish?
Did you know spiders have fishing among their many talents? Laurie Jackson explains
Monarch butterfly migration: its remarkable 3,000 mile journey explored
Mike Unwin explores just how far this remarkable butterfly species travels when migrating
Stunning new species of moth with whip-like defensive mechanism discovered in Brazil
Resembling the bright markings of the European puss moth, the new species – Americerura brasiliensis – was found in south-east Brazil.
How many butterfly eggs reach adulthood?
Just what are the chances of butterfly eggs reaching adulthood? Richard Jones takes a look at the evidence
What are insects? And how many insects are there in the world?
What are insects? And how many species of insects are there? Stuart Blackman explains
What are echinoderms?
Stuart Blackman explains all you need to know about echinoderms and how they evolved
Billions of cicadas are about to emerge in Illinois, and scientists don’t know what will happen
This spring in Illinois, USA, 17- and 13-year cicadas are due to emerge at the same time, something that last occurred in 1803. What will happen?
Butterfly vs moth: what's the difference?
Many people ask what the difference is between butterflies and moths, but the answer is not as straightforward as most would think, says Butterfly Conservation
Meet the ocean quahog, a strange creature that can live to 500 years old
A slower pace of life is behind the longevity of the world’s oldest ever animal, the Ocean quahogs
Meet the fairy wasp, a particularly deadly parasitic wasp
Discover the fairy wasp, a dastardly winged insect that parasitises beetle eggs in the depths of garden ponds
Are there any poisonous butterflies?
Are there any poisonous butterflies? Stuart Blackman looks at how chemicals can help butterflies evade predators
Meet the vampire spider, an unassuming arachnid that drinks human blood and has a liking for smelly socks
Too small to bite a human, this arachnid manages to get a taste of the red stuff elsewhere. Nick Baker introduces us to the vampire spider
What are ice worms and how do they survive freezing conditions?
A leftover from the last ice age, ice worms are remarkable creatures that can survive freezing temperatures says Michael Engelhard
"It's hot out here," said the caterpillar. "Is it?" replied the butterfly. Lepidoptera larvae more vulnerable to climate change than adults
Butterflies and moths are better at thermoregulating as adults than they are as caterpillars, prompting worry for future heatwaves, reveals new study.
Tarantula guide: what they are, what they eat, where they live - and just why these spiders are so feared
What are tarantulas? Why are these spiders so feared? Danniella Sherwood from the Natural History Museum explains all you need to know about tarantulas
Cannibal animals: 10 creatures that eat their own species - there may be some surprises...
It may seem gruesome, but many animals have been recorded feeding on their own species. Here are 10 cannibalistic animals, including some that might surprise you.
Why are moths furry?
Ever wondered why moths are furry? Richard Jones explains
10 biggest spiders in the world: meet huge arachnids as big as dinner plates
Meet the ten largest spiders in the world - you wouldn't want to see these scuttling across your carpet!
Meet the purse-web spider, Britain's very own tarantula
Does Britain have tarantulas? Yes says Nick Baker, or at least a spider that belongs to the same family. Meet the purse-web spider
What is a Mexican jumping bean? And why do they jump?
Did you know Mexican jumping beans are actually caterpillars?