Insects

The speckled wood butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly found in woodlands across Europe and parts of Asia. Identified by its brown wings with creamy-yellow spots, it has a distinctive flight pattern of short, erratic flights interrupted by perching on vegetation. Feeding primarily on honeydew, sap, and nectar from flowers like brambles and ivy, its caterpillars feed on various grasses. Known for its territorial behaviour, males defend sunny patches for mating and resource access.

Fun Fact: Speckled wood butterflies exhibit territorial behaviour, with males defending sunny patches within their habitat against intruding males. These territories are essential for mating and provide access to resources such as food and sunlight for basking.

(Photo credit: Jodie McGhee)

 The Burnet Moth is a colourful insect with black wings adorned with red, orange, or yellow markings. Active during the day, it feeds on flower nectar with its long proboscis. Its larvae, found on host plants like those in the pea family, are often brightly colored as a warning to predators. Burnet moths are found in various habitats and play a role in pollination.

Fun Fact: Burnet moth caterpillars display bright colours as a warning to predators that they are toxic, thanks to the toxins they ingest from their host plants.

(Photo credit: Catherine Aitken)

The common darter dragonfly is a widespread species known for its reddish-brown coloration with yellow stripes on its abdomen. It is often seen flying low over ponds and slow-moving rivers, hunting small insects like mosquitoes. Common darters are territorial, with males defending their territories vigorously. They mate and lay eggs in water, with larvae emerging as adults after moulting.

Fun Fact: Common darter dragonflies are agile hunters, capable of capturing prey much larger than themselves. Despite their delicate appearance, they are skilled predators in their aquatic habitats.

(Photo credit: Wildlife Macro)

 The Peacock butterfly is a vibrant and eye-catching species found across Europe and parts of Asia. It is easily recognisable by its striking wing pattern, which features large, eye-like spots that serve as a defence mechanism against predators. The Peacock butterfly thrives in a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and meadows, and its caterpillars feed primarily on nettles.

Fun fact: When threatened, the Peacock butterfly can produce a hissing sound by rubbing its wings together, further deterring potential predators.

(Photo credit: Butterfly Conservation)

The Hoverfly is commonly found in gardens, fields, and forests worldwide. These flies are notable for their ability to hover in place, often mimicking the appearance of bees or wasps as a form of protection from predators. Hoverflies are important pollinators, feeding on nectar and pollen, and their larvae often consume aphids, making them beneficial for pest control in gardens.

Fun fact: Despite their resemblance to bees and wasps, hoverflies are completely harmless to humans and do not sting.

(Photo credit: Nature Spot)

 The Red Admiral is a striking butterfly known for its dark wings with bold red bands and white spots. Found across temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, this butterfly is a familiar sight in gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The Red Admiral prefers sunny, open spaces and is often seen basking in the sun or feeding on nectar from flowers.

Fun fact: The Red Admiral is a strong flier and migrates long distances, with some populations traveling from North Africa to Northern Europe each year.

(Photo credit: Butterfly Conservation)