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.
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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...
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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..
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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?
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Can spiders fish?

Did you know spiders have fishing among their many talents? Laurie Jackson explains
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Monarch butterfly migration: its remarkable 3,000 mile journey explored

Mike Unwin explores just how far this remarkable butterfly species travels when migrating
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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.
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How many butterfly eggs reach adulthood?

Just what are the chances of butterfly eggs reaching adulthood? Richard Jones takes a look at the evidence
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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
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What are echinoderms?

Stuart Blackman explains all you need to know about echinoderms and how they evolved
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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Are there any poisonous butterflies?

Are there any poisonous butterflies? Stuart Blackman looks at how chemicals can help butterflies evade predators
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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
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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
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"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.
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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
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Why are moths furry?

Ever wondered why moths are furry? Richard Jones explains
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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!
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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
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What is a Mexican jumping bean? And why do they jump?

Did you know Mexican jumping beans are actually caterpillars?
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