(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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Insects and spiders

  • Encyclopaedia of life
    Encyclopedia of Life - 17/05/2007 (video)

    Graham Higley talks about the launch of the Encyclopedia of Life project that will create a free online encyclopaedia of all the 1.8 million living species on Earth.

  • Tackling disease together
    Tackling disease together - 02/02/2006 (video)

    Explore how scientists from the Museum and across the globe are working together to reduce the spread of tropical diseases and improve public health.

  • Forensic entomology
    Forensic entomology - 06/07/2004 (video)

    How can maggots and other insects be of use in forensic science? Museum Entomologist Martin Hall has the answers.

  • Hornet sightings
    Hornet sightings create a buzz - 03/05/2007 (video)

    Stuart Hine, manager of the Museum's Insect Identification Service, talks about the large number of hornet sightings he has had from the public.

  • Cockroach Database
    The Cockroach Database - 30/07/2007 (video)

    Watch George Beccaloni talk about cockroaches and his work on the first online database of the world's cockroaches, the Blattodea Species File Online (BSF) in this short video.

  • Mystery Museum garden insect
    Mystery Museum garden insect video - 15/07/2008 (video)

    Watch this short video with Museum insect expert Max Barclay talking about the mystery insect discovered living in the Museum's Wildlife Garden.

  • Walking jewels: the beauty of beetles
    Walking jewels: the beauty of beetles - 15/01/2003 (video)

    Discover the wonderful colours, shapes and sizes of beetles, used in some cultures as jewellery.

  • Clothes moths
    Clothes moths - 15/01/2003 (video)

    Why have clothes moth larvae evolved to feed on our woolly jumpers rather than juicy plants? Gaden Robinson reveals all.

  • The world of spiders
    The world of spiders - 03/01/2003 (video)

    Whether you loathe them or love them, explore the fascinating world of spiders with Museum scientist Paul Hillyard.

  • Butterfly conservation
    Butterfly conservation - 21/06/2004 (video)

    Discover how you can get involved in saving moths and butterflies, with Emily Funnell from Butterfly Conservation.

  • A boffin's guide to bug-hunting
    A boffin's guide to bug-hunting - 08/01/2003 (video)

    Find out how nets, traps, bait, cyanide, smoke and sheer determination are vital to Entomologist Nigel Fergusson’s work.

  • Edible insects
    Edible insects - 13/04/2004 (video)

    In many parts of the world, insects are a vital part of the diet. Find out what’s on the menu with entomologist Stuart Hine.

  • Ants and termites: The real kings of the jungle
    Ants and termites: The real kings of the jungle - 15/06/2003 (video)

    Entomologist David Jones takes us on a journey to the world’s tropical rainforests, exploring the dominant role of ants and termites.

  • Ladybirds
    Ladybirds - 15/03/2005 (video)

    Mike Majerus and Helen Roy discuss the science of phenology, including the new counting system for ladybird activity.

  • Insect roadshow
    The insect roadshow - 24/08/2003 (video)

    Baffled by a bug? Entomologist Max Barclay identifies beetles, flies and earwigs brought in by members of the audience.

  • False widow spider
    False widow spider - 22/05/2007 (video)

    Stuart Hine, manager of the Insect Identification Service at the Museum, talks about the false widow spider.

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