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News
Oldest evidence of plague in Britain is over 4,000 years old
New research reveals that Yersinia pestis was widespread across Europe during the Bronze Age, thousands of years before the Black Death.
30 May 2023 -
Behind the Science Justin Isip on the challenges of doing a PhD
Justin chats about the challenges involved in getting a PhD placement and maintaining a work-life balance.
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Science news
New group of butterflies named after Lord of the Rings villain Sauron
While there are currently only two members of the genus Saurona, many more as-yet-undescribed species are thought to exist.
7 May 2023 -
British wildlife
How well do you know your nature sounds? Take the quiz and find out
Think you know your birds from your bees?
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Behind the Science: Chawatat pursues elusive Southeast Asian bumblebees
Thai PhD student Chawatat investigates the hidden lives of Southeast Asian bumblebees.
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News
Pitcher plants might be luring in prey using specialised scents
While species focusing on bees produce more floral odours, those focusing on fruit flies make fruitier smells.
19 April 2023 -
News
Beetles may have eaten dinosaur feathers and lived in their nests
The insects were frozen in time after being caught in amber, revealing rare evidence of how dinosaurs and insects interacted.
17 April 2023 -
What on Earth?
How do dung beetles' diets keep the world clean?
Find out why dung beetles eat poo and how some use the Sun and stars when they travel.
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What on Earth?
Murder, maggots and forensic entomology
Did you know that flies have been helping us solve crimes for hundreds of years?
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Science news
Earliest insect ears reveal the soundscape of the dinosaur age
Katydids are the earliest known animals to evolve complex communication using sound.
13 January 2023 -
British wildlife
Cool bug facts: Scary-looking minibeasts
With their pincers, horns and armour, these minibeasts might look terrifying, but luckily for us they are tiny and harmless.
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Science news
Museum scientists described 351 new species in 2022
It has never been more important to describe as much of the natural world as possible.
30 December 2022 -
News
Male wasps can use their genitals to fight off predatory frogs
One of the most unusual self-defence techniques in the animal kingdom has been uncovered.
19 December 2022 -
Collections
Hidden Treasures: Season one of our behind-the-scenes live streams
Catch up on season one of our interactive behind-the-scenes live stream.
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Science news
South African fossils reveal the lost world of ancient invertebrates
Leeches, mites and plants found at the site are revealing the ecosystems ancient animals walked over 260 million years ago.
30 November 2022 -
British wildlife
There's life among the dead: Wildlife in cemeteries
Left alone over time, many graveyards have become secluded sanctuaries where plant and animal life can thrive.
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News
Dormancy in malarial mosquitoes may offer new ways to fight disease
A process mosquitoes use to weather harsh conditions offers new opportunities in the fight against malaria.
10 October 2022 -
British wildlife
Daddy long legs: the flies that have us ducking and diving
But just when is daddy long legs season and how long does it last?
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News
Wax moth caterpillar spit could be used to break down plastic waste
Mass producing the proteins in the saliva could provide a cheap and effective way to break down polyethylene waste.
4 October 2022 -
Science news
Climate change will increase termite activity, releasing more carbon dioxide
Termites could reduce the amount of carbon stored in wood as the world gets hotter and drier.
22 September 2022 -
Science news
Climate stress is changing the physical shape of UK bumblebees
Bumblebees are getting more stressed as the climate warms.
18 August 2022 -
Science news
Recreating the song of a 150-year-old insect could help rediscover its species
An insect last seen in 1869 has sung again, which could help give researchers clues about where the insect might still be living.
10 August 2022 -
British wildlife
How to pond dip
Pond dipping is a wonderful way to look at the creatures that live in and around pond water.
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British wildlife
Cuckoo spit and fascinating froghoppers (spittlebugs)
In spring and summer, you might notice something looking like spit on a plant.
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Science news
Prickly leaf beetle is found in the UK for the first time
The beetle usually lives on the warm Mediterranean coast.
17 June 2022 -
News
Saving British bumblebees needs a range of habitats
A new report lays out how we can prioritise the best selection of habitats to give the UK's 24 species of bumblebee a boost.
24 May 2022 -
News
UK's flying insects have declined by 60% in 20 years
The UK's insect population has fallen sharply as the invertebrates are affected by rising temperatures and fragmented habitats.
6 May 2022 -
News
Bees, butterflies and moths 'confused' by air pollution
Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides can cause as much as a 90% decline in pollinator visits to flowers.
24 January 2022 -
Science news
Museum digitises five millionth specimen to unlock secrets of collection
The digitisation of these collections could be worth two billion pounds to the global economy.
18 January 2022 -
Biodiversity
Christmas animals and plants: The festive species named for 25 December
Over 30 species globally are named for Christmas Day, recognising their bright colours, place of origin or reproductive cycle.
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News
Mind-controlling fungus could cause more crop damage in warmer climates
The combination of a common fungal disease with climate change on ladybirds could cause aphids to become more of a problem.
26 November 2021 -
British wildlife
How to make a log pile to provide shelter for garden wildlife
A log pile can give home and shelter to some of the smaller inhabitants of your garden.
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News
Ants swap spit to help them live for longer
Ants swap chemicals in their 'spit' to support the most valuable members of the colony.
19 November 2021 -
News
The deadly effects of sewage pollution on nature
Sewage in Britain's waterways has been hitting the headlines recently. But what effect does raw waste have on our rivers, streams and oceans?
4 November 2021 -
Anthropocene
What's so bad about the spotted lanternfly?
The brightly coloured spotted lanternfly is causing problems in parts of Asia and North America.
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News
Speaking up for the little ones: why bugs need our help more than ever
Over recent weeks there have been plenty of sensational headlines about insects invading our homes and causing the evacuation of schools.
12 October 2021 -
News
New reports of invasive stink bug raises concerns of imminent UK move
The discovery of a stink bug in a Surrey garden has caused worries the insects may be becoming established in the UK.
7 October 2021 -
News
Plants and pollinators use electric fields to find each other
Pollinators and flowers can attract each other with electric fields to maximise the benefits for both, researchers have found.
27 September 2021 -
News
Endangered penguins stung to death by bee swarm in South Africa
Officials are investigating after over 60 endangered penguins were reportedly stung to death by bees.
20 September 2021 -
What on Earth?
Mutualism: eight examples of species that work together to get ahead
In nature, species will sometimes form unexpectedly close bonds and work to their mutual benefit.
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News
Fabulous new rainbow fly with 'legs for days' named after drag icon RuPaul
Australian scientists are persevering in their quest to 'catch 'em all' as they name new species after pop culture icons.
16 September 2021 -
News
Dragonfly species are colonising the UK 'at a greater rate than ever before'
Six new species of dragonflies and damselflies have arrived in Britain since the late 1990s.
14 September 2021 -
What on Earth?
Curious collectors and hoarders of the animal world
Because sometimes more is more.
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British wildlife
Pond life: facts about pond habitats, plants and animals
Ponds are crucial habitat for a great diversity of wildlife.
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British wildlife
How to make a small wildlife pond
A garden pond is one of the best ways you can help Britain's wildlife. You can create one in even the tiniest of gardens.
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Nature activities for summer
25 fun activities to get you out exploring and reconnecting with nature.
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British wildlife
Seven insect heroes of pollination
Pollination is not just the work of honeybees. Meet some of the buzzing, bold and beautiful insects carrying out this critical task.
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British wildlife
Stag beetle facts: the UK's largest beetle and where to see it
London is a particular stronghold of these magnificent, rare beetles. Discover why, where else they live and how you can help protect them.
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News
High-resolution 3D scanning will help scientists understand insect evolution
Understanding the extraordinary diversity and differences between insects can help us figure out how these species evolved.
1 July 2021 -
Science news
Colombia has the most butterflies in the world, for now
In a titanic effort spanning many years, a team of butterfly experts have listed the butterflies found in Colombia to date.
24 June 2021 -
What on Earth?
Velvet ants: flamboyant and fuzzy with extreme PPE
Meet the delightfully fuzzy wasps with an arsenal of defences that make them nearly impervious to attacks by hungry predators.
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British wildlife
Environmental DNA: what is it and how can it help us protect wildlife?
Find out what eDNA is and how it can be used for conservation.
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British wildlife
Meet the bee-fly: the cute bee mimic with a dark side
They look like bees and pollinate flowers, but these fluffy flies have a gruesome teenage stage that makes them one of the most fascinating species in your local park or garden.
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British wildlife
How to grow a wildflower pot for pollinators
Growing native wildflowers helps provide the right food for pollinating insects, making life better for your local wildlife.
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What on Earth?
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: the curious case of parasitic bat flies
Wildlife photographer and entomologist Dr Piotr Naskrecki introduces the peculiar insects that spend their entire lives clinging to bats for dear life.
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What on Earth?
How big can beetles get?
We may often think of beetles as being relatively small, but there are some species that reach extraordinary sizes.
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British wildlife
How to make a bee hotel
Give solitary bees a home by making this simple, DIY bee hotel.
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News
Brown marmorated stink bugs arrive in the UK and pose threat to crops
The brown marmorated stink bug is a new invasive species in the UK.
1 March 2021 -
News
Beekeeping in cities is harming other wildlife, study finds
Enthusiasm for beekeeping in the UK's major cities is threatening other local wildlife, according to a new report.
30 September 2020 -
British wildlife
How to make a bug hotel: a ladybird lodge
This simple DIY insect hotel is perfect for ladybirds looking for somewhere to hibernate in winter.
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British wildlife
Why road verges are important habitats for wildflowers and animals
They cover an enormous area of the UK and are home to many rare and declining wild plants, insects, amphibians and more.
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British wildlife
Twelve things to see in nature this summer
Can you find these usual summer suspects on your walk?
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Make a moth headdress
Get crafty and make a majestic moth headdress.
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Gilbert White: the modern naturalist
Gilbert White's talent and passion for observing and recording nature inspired many future naturalists, including Charles Darwin.
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What on Earth?
Are 'murder hornets' really as scary as they sound?
With a dramatic nickname and a taste for honeybees, Asian giant hornets are causing panic in North America.
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British wildlife
What insect are you?
Are you a dazzling dragonfly, lovely ladybird or some other industrious insect? Find out with this quiz.
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What on Earth?
Bombardier beetles and their caustic chemical cannon
Meet the beetles that fire a boiling chemical brew at predators that get too close for comfort.
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British wildlife
How to make a simple butterfly feeder
Put on a butterfly buffet and watch these intriguing insects feeding.
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British wildlife
UK moths: nine of the most colourful and distinctive
Check out these flamboyant flyers who are challenging moths' drab reputation with style.
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British wildlife
UK beetles: 17 of the most spectacular and beautiful
Discover some standout British beetles, including a particularly vibrant ladybird and a rare rainbow-coloured leaf beetle.
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British wildlife
How to grow a cress caterpillar
Create a colourful caterpillar and grow your own food all in one activity.
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British wildlife
How to grow a lawn that's better for wildlife
Attract bees to your lawn with clover, grow a mini wildflower meadow, add areas of aromatic thyme and more ideas.
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British wildlife
Twenty-five years of wildlife discoveries in the Museum garden
Wildlife Garden ecologist Sylvia Myers introduces some of our favourite finds and how we monitor the plants and animals present.
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Science news
Almost half of butterfly species in Singapore have disappeared
Singapore is losing its butterflies as forests decline and building programmes boom.
22 January 2020 -
Collections
Maria Sibylla Merian: metamorphosis unmasked by art and science
Adventuring unchaperoned in seventeenth century Suriname, Maria Sibylla Merian blazed a trail for women and science.
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British wildlife
Seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden
Find out how to help urban nature and attract more wildlife to your garden.
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Biodiversity
The compelling case for why flies are actually fabulous
Did you know that there are more species of fly in the UK than there are mammals on the planet? And they perform some pretty important jobs.
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Science news
New species named after climate activist Greta Thunberg
You are never too small to make a difference.
25 October 2019 -
Science news
Eight new species of jewel beetle have been uncovered
The beetles were collected more than 150 years ago.
27 September 2019 -
News
Brilliant Butterflies project launched to restore rare grasslands
The two-year project will help conserve rare plants and invertebrates.
25 September 2019 -
Science news
Centipedes evolved complex venom five times
Analysis of centipede venom reveals a huge difference between the groups.
23 September 2019 -
British wildlife
How to make a pitfall trap to catch insects and other minibeasts
Want to find out what small creatures are crawling around your garden? Follow our steps to set up a simple pitfall trap.
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Science news
The quest for one of the world's oldest bumblebees
Genes of an elusive Tibetan bumblebee can finally be sequenced.
26 July 2019 -
Science news
Australian flies found in London
Scale parasite flies, of a new fly family for Britain, have been found in the Museum's Wildlife Garden.
24 July 2019 -
Space
How does the Moon affect life on Earth?
Weeping trees, teeth stronger than Kevlar and one of Earth's most spectacular natural events are all shaped by the Moon.
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Biodiversity
Big Butterfly Count: Chris Packham on how to save British butterflies
Turning the tide of biodiversity loss is a big job.
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News
Quest begins to sequence genomes of all UK life
Insects from Merseyside were some of the first animals studied in a new project.
18 July 2019 -
British wildlife
Flying ant day: when winged ants take their nuptial flight
Get the facts on when and why ants grow wings and swarm.
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British wildlife
Harlequin ladybirds are waking up from hibernation – here’s what to do
Just how much of a threat is the harlequin to the UK’s native ladybirds?
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Collections
Beetles and bloodsuckers
Go behind the scenes at the Museum and discover the huge variety of beetles and parasites in the collection.
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British wildlife
Signs of spring
Museum wildlife experts share their favourite signs spring is here or on its way.
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Collections
Space, specimens and dating strategies
This month on #NHM_Live we're putting animal dating strategies to the test.
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News
The worlds largest bee rediscovered after 38 years
Found in Indonesia, the bee lives inside termite mounds.
21 February 2019 -
Anthropocene
The world's insect populations are plummeting everywhere we look
Crashing numbers will have serious implications on our future.
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Science news
Termites help protect rainforests from climate change
The small but mighty insects buffer the forests against drought.
11 January 2019 -
Science news
The rise and fall of the Inca Empire is recorded in llama poo
The number of microorganisms linked with llama droppings gives clues about the Inca.
9 January 2019 -
News
Over 270 new species discovered in 2018
They include new dinosaurs, an ancient wombat and a giant shark.
27 December 2018 -
Collections
Specimen stores and lights at night
Find out what can happen when fieldwork doesn't go exactly as planned, and how to do a simple DIY science project at home.
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Anthropocene
Bee declines: is banning pesticides the solution?
Experts argue that changing the way we use land could help bees even more.
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British wildlife
Night life: how to spot insects in the dark
What nocturnal insects will you find where you live?
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British wildlife
The glimmering world of glow-worms
Discover the bioluminescent beetles putting on night-time light shows in Britain.
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Science news
Beautiful new species of swallowtail butterfly discovered on Fiji
Scientists are still unsure where the species came from.
2 November 2018 -
British wildlife
Why harlequin ladybirds are invading our homes
In autumn they seek somewhere to hibernate.
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British wildlife
Why Asian hornets are bad news for British bees
A Museum expert explains how this invasive species could cause big problems for beekeepers in Britain.
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British wildlife
What do wasps do?
Wasps and humans may have a rocky relationship. But should these insects be revered rather than feared?
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News
Is 2018 a bumper year for wasps?
It's been a long, hot summer and now that August is drawing to a close, wasps are out in full force.
24 August 2018 -
British wildlife
Are horsefly bites on the rise?
As the weather warms up the UK is often swarmed with reports of biting horseflies. A Museum fly expert explains what is going on.
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News
Dragonfly wings could inspire new aeroplane flight control
Scientists are studying the way dragonflies fly in the hope of making small planes more stable and robust.
27 June 2018 -
Science news
The brain worm that turns ants into zombies
For the first time, scientists have an image of what happens inside an ant's brain when it is infected with a parasitic worm.
5 June 2018 -
Dinosaurs
Can we bring back dinosaurs?
Is a mosquito trapped in amber really the way to bring dinosaurs back from the dead?
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What on Earth?
Why do some butterflies and moths have eyespots?
Discover how some species effectively use their colourful wings to deter predators.
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News
New beetle is named after London Pride beer
A Brazilian beetle in the genus Metallactus has been named after an ale.
17 May 2018 -
What on Earth?
Flies are saving your chocolate cravings
Bees' pollinating prowess often overshadows many of the insects working just as hard as them.
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British wildlife
Out of the woodwork: the great capricorn beetle
Meet the beetles that were unexpectedly found in Cambridgeshire, despite having been extinct in Britain for thousands of years.
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What on Earth?
The sting of love
Meet some of the animals whose search for a mate may actually be physically painful.
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What on Earth?
Sex, genes and boozy fruit: inside the life of a vinegar fly
Dr Erica McAlister, a fly expert at the Museum, explains how these small animals are doing great things.
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Collections
The incomparable tale of Evelyn Cheesman
The adventures of a tenacious female explorer brought to life by comic artist Sammy Borras.
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Science news
Scientist turns detective to identify mysterious moth
The arrival of a tiny moth in the Wildlife Garden sparked a scientific search of London.
26 March 2018 -
Collections
Malaysian insects digitised in international collaboration
Malaysian dragonflies, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets are being digitised for research.
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Collections
Lucy Evelyn Cheesman: the woman who walked
Whether liaising with cannibals or escaping giant spider webs, Cheesman took the challenges of perilous fieldwork - and patriarchal views - in her stride.
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Science news
The stag beetles with bolt-cutter jaws
A fourth mandible variation has been identified in some species of Odontolabis stag beetles and it's been named 'Boltcutter'.
1 February 2018 -
What on Earth?
Killer bees: a deadly swarm
Are killer bees really as dangerous as their name suggests?
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What on Earth?
Why does Rudolph have a red nose?
Dr Erica McAlister hints at why the beloved reindeer may have a bright red nose.
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What on Earth?
Grinch bugs: the heartless insects making a meal of Christmas
Better watch out - these insects consider your seasonal decor their dinner.
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British wildlife
Why do wasps build nests?
Most social wasps aren't fussy when it comes to finding a spot to settle down.
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News
New native British beetle found in ancient Scottish forests
A chemist who collects insects as a pastime has spotted what generations of British entomologists have missed: a native British beetle, living in ancient Scottish pine forests.
28 September 2017 -
News
New beetle for Britain is pear tree pest
An invasive species of European beetle has been found preying on pear trees in Kent orchards.
25 September 2017 -
What on Earth?
Tarantula hawks: The most painful wasp sting in the world explained
Armed with one of the most painful stings on the planet, tarantula hawks are a spider's worst nightmare.
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British wildlife
A year of British garden wildlife
Join the team from BBC TV programme The British Garden: Life and Death on Your Lawn to uncover some of the hidden wildlife you could spot throughout the year.
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Spotlight: the Madagascan moon moth
Living for a week at most, the Madagascan moon moth has a lot to accomplish in its short life.
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News
Fly scans help crime-scene science sleuths
A new approach to estimating the developmental stage of maggots turning into flies promises to help forensic entomologists with their criminal investigations.
1 June 2017 -
Spotlight: the great eggfly
A stunning species with a disturbing diet: meet the butterflies sipping on human sweat.
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What on Earth?
Dangerous beauties: the world's tiniest insects
Magnified images reveal the beauty of these tiny wasps, but mask their gruesome nature.
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News
Video reveals rapid changes in fly metamorphosis
An X-ray film of a fly pupa undergoing metamorphosis has, for the first time, captured minute-by-minute details of the most dramatic part of the reorganisation process.
25 January 2017 -
News
'Monstrous' wasps could reveal their species' secrets
Scientists have identified three new species of parasitoid wasp - including two that previously lay undescribed in the Museum's collections.
9 December 2016 -
Flies that use their eyes to fight for love - well, sex at least
Dr Erica McAlister, one of the world's ultimate fly fans, introduces some of the strangest-looking flies around, and their equally bizarre behaviour.
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News
New bee species breeding in Britain
A bee species more commonly found in continental Europe has been spotted in Britain for the first time.
17 October 2016 -
What on Earth?
Can you spot the hidden animals that use cunning camouflage?
Take a look at these photos and see whether millions of years of evolution will outwit you.
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What on Earth?
Rainbow nature: life in proud pink
While we humans associate pink with romance, in the natural world it can be a warning or part of an elaborate disguise.
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Spotlight: tiger longwing
Newborn humans take years to become adults - but for butterflies, the miraculous process takes just a few weeks.
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Beauty of the dual-gender butterfly
A one-in-10,000 genetic sensation - discover the stunning split-sex butterflies.
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British wildlife
Body snatchers: eaten alive by parasitic wasps
Delve into the dark world of parasitic wasps and discover their grisly takeovers of living caterpillars.
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News
Oldest insect camouflage behaviour revealed by fossils
Rare insect fossils preserved in amber have revealed the camouflaging technique of carrying debris dates back more than 100 million years.
28 June 2016 -
What on Earth?
Rainbow nature: most colourful creatures
Meet some of the brightest and boldest creatures in the animal kingdom, where colour is a matter of life and death.
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British wildlife
Diamondback moths: an epic journey
Miniscule moths are using the power of wind to soar over oceans and continents.
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What on Earth?
The tiniest moths in the world
Discover the microscopic dimensions of the smallest moths on the planet.
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What on Earth?
Love is in the air: how butterflies date
For most butterflies, finding a mate to share their short lives with is their most important mission.
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What on Earth?
Seven of the world's weirdest moths
From moths eating their own mothers to carnivorous caterpillars on the rampage, the world of insects isn't always as it seems.
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News
Miniature brain scans hold key to understanding bee behaviour
Scientists have imaged the brains of bumblebees in unprecedented detail, revealing the regions linked to learning and memory.
24 February 2016 -
News
New love bug found with heart-shaped leg
A new group of beetles with a heart-shaped leg joint has been discovered in the Belize rainforest by Museum scientist Max Barclay.
15 February 2016