Wildlife of Britain

Jersey Tiger Moth: The Complete Guide to Britain’s Most Striking Day-Flying Moth Introduction: A Moth That Defies Expectations When people think of moths, they often imagine dull, nocturnal insects fluttering around lights.  The Jersey Tiger Moth completely overturns that stereotype.  With bold patterns, vivid colours, and daytime activity, it is one of the most visually spectacular and fascinating moths found in the UK. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know—from identification and behaviour to habitat, conservation status, and why this species is becoming increasingly important in Britain’s changing ecosystems. What Is the Jersey Tiger Moth? The Jersey Tiger Moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria) is a medium-sized moth belonging to the tiger moth group (Erebidae family), known for their striking patterns and warning colours. Key Identification Features • Forewings (at rest) Dark brown or black base Cream or pale yellow bold stripes Camouflage-like appearance ...

Following on from our article on Bee's in Britain, below is a list of the bee species recorded in Great Britain (including England, Scotland, and Wales).  The British bee fauna currently contains 270+ species, consisting of 1 honeybee, ~24 bumblebees, and over 240 solitary bees.  To keep the list readable, species are organised taxonomically by family and genus, which is the standard approach used by British entomological surveys.  We also have further articles on Bee's at the bottom of the page. Complete List of British Bee Species Family: Colletidae Genus: Colletes (Plasterer Bees) • Colletes cunicularius • Colletes daviesanus • Colletes floralis • Colletes fodiens • Colletes halophilus • Colletes hederae • Colletes marginatus • Colletes similis Genus: Hylaeus (Masked Bees) • Hylaeus annularis • Hylaeus brevicornis • Hylaeus communis • Hylaeus confusus • Hylaeus cornutus • Hylaeus dilatatus • Hylaeus gredleri • Hylaeus hyalinatus • Hylaeus leptocephalus • Hylaeus paulus...

Bee Species of Britain: Diversity, Biology and Ecological Importance Bees are among the most important pollinating insects in Britain, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting agricultural production.  The United Kingdom hosts over 270 species of bees, belonging to several taxonomic families within the insect order Hymenoptera.  These species range from highly social colony-forming bees to tiny solitary insects that live independently. Although public awareness often centres on honeybees, the majority of British bees are wild species that nest in soil, wood, plant stems, or natural cavities.  Understanding the diversity and ecological function of these bees is essential for wildlife conservation and habitat management. Bee Diversity in Britain British bees fall into three broad ecological groups: • Honeybees Species: 1 Highly social Managed colonies, honey production • Bumblebees Species: ~24 Social Large-bodied, seasonal colonies • Solitary bees Spec...

Shield Bugs in Britain: An Overview Shield bugs, also known as stink bugs, are a distinctive group of insects in the family Pentatomidae, named for their characteristic shield-shaped bodies.  They are common across the British Isles, with species found in gardens, hedgerows, meadows, and woodland edges. Appearance and Identification Shield bugs range from 5–20 mm in length, often with brightly patterned or camouflaged exoskeletons.  Their most identifiable feature is the broad, triangular scutellum that forms the “shield” on their backs.  They typically have antennae with five segments, and many can release a pungent odor when threatened, a defense mechanism against predators. Common species in Britain include: Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) – metallic green, sometimes turning brown in autumn. Hawthorn Shield Bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) – larger, brown with red edges. Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea) – greyish-brown, notable for parental care of eggs. Habitat and B...

The Common Wasp: Ecology, Behaviour, and Scientific Significance The common wasp, scientifically known as Vespula vulgaris, is one of the most widespread and recognisable social insects in the United Kingdom.  Known for its distinctive yellow-and-black striped abdomen and highly organised colonies, this species is frequently encountered in gardens, woodlands, farmland, and urban areas.  Although often perceived as a nuisance due to its sting and attraction to human food, the common wasp plays a crucial ecological role as a predator of pest insects, an occasional pollinator, and a recycler of organic material. This article examines the biology, life cycle, ecological role, and behaviour of the common wasp in the UK.  Drawing upon scientific studies and ecological surveys, it highlights how this frequently misunderstood insect contributes significantly to ecosystem stability and biodiversity. Introduction Among Britain’s most familiar insects is the common wasp, Vespula vul...

The Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io): A Distinctive and Resilient Butterfly of Britain The Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) is one of the most striking and widely recognised butterflies in the United Kingdom.  Known for the large, colourful “eye spots” on its wings, this species has fascinated naturalists and casual observers alike for centuries.  Its vivid coloration serves both aesthetic and biological purposes, functioning as a defensive mechanism against predators while also contributing to one of the most distinctive appearances among European butterflies. Widespread throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and much of Northern Ireland, the Peacock butterfly is commonly encountered in gardens, parks, woodland edges, and farmland margins.  It is also notable for its ability to hibernate as an adult, allowing it to emerge very early in the spring when few other butterflies are active. Despite its apparent abundance and adaptability, the Peacock butterfly forms part of complex ec...