(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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Other invertebrates

Invertebrates (animals without backbones) make up the majority of animals on Earth, with many millions of species exploiting the sky, sea, land…and even the insides of other animals. Find out about the good, the bad and the ugly, as we reveal the little-known worlds of some of these fascinating creatures.

  • A Chinese mitten crab
    Chinese mitten crabs - 28/07/2008

    The Chinese mitten crab is having a significant impact on our environment.

  • Participants in the OPAL earthworm survey look for British earthworms in the park
    British earthworm survey

    There are 26 species of earthworm in Britain but scientists don't have a clear picture of their distribution.  Can you help?

  • British earthworms
    British earthworms

    There are at least 25 species of British earthworm, read about three of the more common ones. Would you be able to tell them apart?

  • Clover mite, Bryobia praetiosa
    Mite specimens

    Zoom in on stunning magnified images of mites and come face to face with the creepy crawlies sharing your home.

  • CT scan of a mite
    Mite CT scan

    Take a look at the cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to study specimens, like this mite, without having to dissect or damage them, and learn more about our mite research.

  • An echinoid, Centrostephanus longispina
    The Echinoid Directory

    Use our illustrated key to identify sea urchins and their relatives and explore how they live, along with a brief history of the group.

  • Specimen jar
    Specimen jar

    Rotate our virtual specimen jar, and view molluscs collected during the HMS Challenger expedition from 1872 to 1876.

  • Land snail
    Land snail

    A. haemastoma is a large and beautiful snail only found in Sri Lanka. Take a 360 degree look by rotating our virtual object’s shell.

  • Walking with woodlice
    Woodlouse identification key

    This simple key will help you to identify the woodlice that you are most likely to find.

  • Preparation of giant squid
    Preparation of giant squid video - 04/09/2008 (video)

    Natural History Museum scientists prepare the giant squid for temporary storage until a special tank is built to display the 8.62-metre-long specimen.

  • A coral reef near the Seychelles
    Fate of reefs depends on Copenhagen summit

    Find out why coral reefs could be condemned to extinction if world leaders do not agree to low enough carbon dioxide emission targets at the Copenhagen climate summit.

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