Archive for the year 2023

No. 135 | December 31, 2023

European Paper Wasp

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula, often misspelled as dominulus) is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus Polistes. Its diet is more diverse than that of most Polistes species (many genera of insects versus mainly caterpillars in other Polistes), giving it superior survival value over many other wasp species during a shortage of resources.

No. 134 | December 30, 2023

Ferruginous Bee-Grabber

Sicus ferrugineus is a species of fly from the genus Sicus in the family Conopidae....

No. 133 | December 29, 2023

Pria dulcamarae

No. 132 | December 28, 2023

Common Green Capsid

Lygocoris pabulinus also known as the common green capsid, is a species of bug from the family Miridae which can be found throughout Europe (except for Greece, Malta, and Iceland). It feeds on plants.

No. 131 | December 27, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 130 | December 26, 2023

Locust Blowfly

Stomorhina lunata is a species of fly in the family Calliphoridae, often misidentified because of the unusual band pattern in the abdomen, typical of hoverflies. S. lunata is an important egg predator of some major African agricultural pests, the South African Brown locust (Locustana pardalina), the more widespread Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), and the migratory locust (Locustana migratoria).

No. 129 | December 25, 2023

Western Honey Bee

The western honey bee or European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common of the 7–12 species of honey bee worldwide. The genus name Apis is Latin for "bee", and mellifera is the Latin for "honey-bearing", referring to the species' production of honey for the winter.

No. 128 | December 24, 2023

Speckled Bush-cricket

The speckled bush-cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima) is a flightless species of bush-cricket that occurs across most of Europe.

No. 127 | December 23, 2023

Lindenius albilabris

Lindenius albilabris is a Palearctic species of solitary wasp from the Crabronidae.

No. 126 | December 22, 2023

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Misumena vatia is a species of crab spider with holarctic distribution. In North America, where it is the largest and best-known flower spider, it is called the goldenrod crab spider or flower (crab) spider, because it is commonly found hunting in goldenrod sprays in the autumn. Young males in the early summer may be quite small and easily overlooked, but females can grow up to 10 mm (excluding legs); males reach 5 mm at most.

No. 125 | December 21, 2023

Podagrica fuscicornis

No. 124 | December 20, 2023

Aphidoidea

Aphids, also known as plant lice and in Britain and the Commonwealth as greenflies, blackflies, or whiteflies (not to be confused with "jumping plant lice" or true whiteflies), are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Many species are green, but other commonly occurring species may be white and wooly, brown, or black. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. They are capable of extremely rapid increase...

No. 123 | December 19, 2023

Western Honey Bee

The western honey bee or European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common of the 7–12 species of honey bee worldwide. The genus name Apis is Latin for "bee", and mellifera is the Latin for "honey-bearing", referring to the species' production of honey for the winter.

No. 122 | December 18, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 121 | December 17, 2023

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly

Volucella zonaria, the hornet mimic hoverfly, is a European species of hoverfly.

No. 120 | December 16, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 119 | December 15, 2023

Black Garden Ant

The black garden ant (Lasius niger), also known as the common black ant, is a formicine ant, the type species of the subgenus Lasius, found all over Europe and in some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia. The European species was split into two species; L. niger is found in open areas, while L. platythorax is found in forest habitats. It is monogynous, meaning colonies have a single queen.

No. 118 | December 14, 2023

Common Pollen Beetle

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No. 117 | December 13, 2023

Oedemera podagrariae

Oedemera podagrariae, common name False Blister Beetles, is a quite common species of beetles belonging to the family Oedemeridae subfamily Oedemerinae.

No. 116 | December 12, 2023

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Misumena vatia is a species of crab spider with holarctic distribution. In North America, where it is the largest and best-known flower spider, it is called the goldenrod crab spider or flower (crab) spider, because it is commonly found hunting in goldenrod sprays in the autumn. Young males in the early summer may be quite small and easily overlooked, but females can grow up to 10 mm (excluding legs); males reach 5 mm at most.

No. 115 | December 11, 2023

Black Garden Ant

The black garden ant (Lasius niger), also known as the common black ant, is a formicine ant, the type species of the subgenus Lasius, found all over Europe and in some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia. The European species was split into two species; L. niger is found in open areas, while L. platythorax is found in forest habitats. It is monogynous, meaning colonies have a single queen.

No. 114 | December 10, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 113 | December 9, 2023

Sarcophaga carnaria

Sarcophaga carnaria or the common flesh fly is a European species of flesh fly.

No. 112 | December 8, 2023

Sarcophaga carnaria

Sarcophaga carnaria or the common flesh fly is a European species of flesh fly.

No. 111 | December 7, 2023

Dicyphus errans

Dicyphus errans is a Palearctic species of true bug.

No. 110 | December 6, 2023

European Paper Wasp

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula, often misspelled as dominulus) is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus Polistes. Its diet is more diverse than that of most Polistes species (many genera of insects versus mainly caterpillars in other Polistes), giving it superior survival value over many other wasp species during a shortage of resources.

No. 109 | December 5, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 108 | December 4, 2023

Speckled Bush-cricket

The speckled bush-cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima) is a flightless species of bush-cricket that occurs across most of Europe.

No. 107 | December 3, 2023

European Paper Wasp

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula, often misspelled as dominulus) is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus Polistes. Its diet is more diverse than that of most Polistes species (many genera of insects versus mainly caterpillars in other Polistes), giving it superior survival value over many other wasp species during a shortage of resources.

No. 106 | December 2, 2023

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly

Volucella zonaria, the hornet mimic hoverfly, is a European species of hoverfly.

No. 105 | December 1, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 104 | November 30, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 103 | November 29, 2023

Sarcophaga carnaria

Sarcophaga carnaria or the common flesh fly is a European species of flesh fly.

No. 102 | November 28, 2023

Common Red Soldier Beetle

The common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva), also misleadingly known as the bloodsucker beetle, and popularly known in England as the Hogweed Bonking Beetle is a species of soldier beetle (Cantharidae).

No. 101 | November 27, 2023

European Firebug

The firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, is a common insect of the family Pyrrhocoridae. Easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration, but may be confused with the similarly coloured but unrelated Corizus hyoscyami (cinnamon bug, squash bug) (see comparison). Pyrrhocoris apterus is distributed throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. It has also been reported from the USA, Central America and India. It has been reported as recently expanding its...

No. 100 | November 26, 2023

European Firebug

The firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, is a common insect of the family Pyrrhocoridae. Easily recognizable due to its striking red and black coloration, but may be confused with the similarly coloured but unrelated Corizus hyoscyami (cinnamon bug, squash bug) (see comparison). Pyrrhocoris apterus is distributed throughout the Palaearctic from the Atlantic coast of Europe to northwest China. It has also been reported from the USA, Central America and India. It has been reported as recently expanding its...

No. 99 | November 25, 2023

Forest Bug

The forest bug or red-legged shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes) is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae....

No. 98 | November 24, 2023

Green Shield Bug

The green shield bug (Palomena prasina) is a shield bug of the family Pentatomidae. It may also be referred to as a green stink bug, particularly outside of Britain, although the name green stink bug more appropriately belongs to the larger North American stink bug, Acrosternum hilare. The adult green shield bug ranges in the colour of their backs from bright green to bronze, without any substantial markings. Green shield bugs are a very common shield...

No. 97 | November 23, 2023

Forest Bug

The forest bug or red-legged shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes) is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae....

No. 96 | November 22, 2023

Phyllotreta nigripes

No. 95 | November 21, 2023

Speckled Bush-cricket

The speckled bush-cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima) is a flightless species of bush-cricket that occurs across most of Europe.

No. 94 | November 20, 2023

Common Green Capsid

Lygocoris pabulinus also known as the common green capsid, is a species of bug from the family Miridae which can be found throughout Europe (except for Greece, Malta, and Iceland). It feeds on plants.

No. 93 | November 19, 2023

Aphidoidea

Aphids, also known as plant lice and in Britain and the Commonwealth as greenflies, blackflies, or whiteflies (not to be confused with "jumping plant lice" or true whiteflies), are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Many species are green, but other commonly occurring species may be white and wooly, brown, or black. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. They are capable of extremely rapid increase...

No. 92 | November 18, 2023

Lygus pratensis

Lygus pratensis is a species of plant bugs belonging to the family Miridae.

No. 91 | November 17, 2023

Aphidoidea

Aphids, also known as plant lice and in Britain and the Commonwealth as greenflies, blackflies, or whiteflies (not to be confused with "jumping plant lice" or true whiteflies), are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Many species are green, but other commonly occurring species may be white and wooly, brown, or black. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. They are capable of extremely rapid increase...

No. 90 | November 16, 2023

Lygus pratensis

Lygus pratensis is a species of plant bugs belonging to the family Miridae.

No. 89 | November 15, 2023

European Tarnished Plant Bug

Lygus rugulipennis, common name European Tarnished Plant Bug, is a species of plant bugs belonging to the family Miridae.

No. 88 | November 14, 2023

European Tarnished Plant Bug

Lygus rugulipennis, common name European Tarnished Plant Bug, is a species of plant bugs belonging to the family Miridae.

No. 87 | November 13, 2023

Apolygus lucorum

Apolygus lucorum is a species of true bug in the Miridae family. It can be found everywhere in Europe except for Albania, Bulgaria, Iceland, Malta, and Portugal.

No. 86 | November 12, 2023

Red-barbed Ant

Formica rufibarbis is a European formicine ant of the Formica fusca group. In the classification by Auguste Forel, it is treated in the subgenus Serviformica. F. rufibarbis is subject to a Species Action Plan (SAP) in England, where it is known from only two locations, although it is not considered to be at risk on continental Europe.

No. 85 | November 11, 2023

Black Garden Ant

The black garden ant (Lasius niger), also known as the common black ant, is a formicine ant, the type species of the subgenus Lasius, found all over Europe and in some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia. The European species was split into two species; L. niger is found in open areas, while L. platythorax is found in forest habitats. It is monogynous, meaning colonies have a single queen.

No. 84 | November 10, 2023

Common Red Soldier Beetle

The common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva), also misleadingly known as the bloodsucker beetle, and popularly known in England as the Hogweed Bonking Beetle is a species of soldier beetle (Cantharidae).

No. 83 | November 9, 2023

Common Drone Fly

Eristalis tenax is a hoverfly, also known as the drone fly (or "dronefly"). It is migratory and cosmopolitan, the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world, and is known from all regions except the Antarctic. It has been introduced into North America and is widely established.

No. 82 | November 8, 2023

Common European Greenbottle Fly

The common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata) is a blow fly found in most areas of the world, and the most well-known of the numerous green bottle fly species. It is 10–14 mm long, slightly larger than a house fly, and has brilliant, metallic, blue-green or golden coloration with black markings. It has short, sparse black bristles (setae) and three cross-grooves on the thorax. The wings are clear with light brown veins, and the legs and antennae...

No. 81 | November 7, 2023

Daffodil Leaf-beetle

Exosoma lusitanicum or daffodil leaf beetle is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae.

No. 80 | November 6, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 79 | November 5, 2023

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Misumena vatia is a species of crab spider with holarctic distribution. In North America, where it is the largest and best-known flower spider, it is called the goldenrod crab spider or flower (crab) spider, because it is commonly found hunting in goldenrod sprays in the autumn. Young males in the early summer may be quite small and easily overlooked, but females can grow up to 10 mm (excluding legs); males reach 5 mm at most.

No. 78 | November 4, 2023

Common Green Capsid

Lygocoris pabulinus also known as the common green capsid, is a species of bug from the family Miridae which can be found throughout Europe (except for Greece, Malta, and Iceland). It feeds on plants.

No. 77 | November 3, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 76 | November 2, 2023

Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee

Megachile rotundata, the alfalfa leafcutter bee or leafcutter bee is a European bee that has been introduced to various regions around the world. As a solitary bee species, it does not build colonies or store honey, but is a very efficient pollinator of alfalfa, carrots, other vegetables and some fruits. Because of this, farmers often use M. rotundata as a pollination aid by distributing M. rotundata prepupae around their crops. Each female will construct and provision...

No. 75 | November 1, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 74 | October 31, 2023

Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle

The 14-spotted Ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) is a small lady beetle, belonging to the family Coccinellidae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name 14-spotted ladybird beetle, or simply P-14.

No. 73 | October 30, 2023

Labidostomis longimana

Labidostomis longimana is a species of short-horned leaf beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Clytrinae.

No. 72 | October 29, 2023

Common House Fly

The housefly (Musca domestica) is a fly of the suborder Cyclorrhapha. It is believed to have evolved in the Cenozoic era, possibly in the Middle East, and has spread all over the world as a commensal of humans. It is the most common fly species found in houses. Adults are grey to black with four dark longitudinal lines on the thorax, slightly hairy bodies and a single pair of membranous wings. They have red eyes, set...

No. 71 | October 28, 2023

Alfalfa Plant Bug

Adelphocoris lineolatus, is commonly known as the Lucerne bug or the alfalfa plant bug, and belongs to the family Miridae. It is an agricultural pest causing vast amounts of damage to numerous crops, but primarily to alfalfa crops around the globe.

No. 70 | October 27, 2023

Common Green Capsid

Lygocoris pabulinus also known as the common green capsid, is a species of bug from the family Miridae which can be found throughout Europe (except for Greece, Malta, and Iceland). It feeds on plants.

No. 69 | October 26, 2023

Sharp-collared Furrow Bee

Lasioglossum malachurum, the sharp-collared furrow bee, is a small European halictid bee. This species is obligately eusocial, with queens and workers, though the differences between the castes are not nearly as extreme as in honey bees. Early taxonomists mistakenly assigned the worker females to a different species from the queens. They are small (about 1 cm), shiny, mostly black bees with off-white hair bands at the bases of the abdominal segments. L. malachurum is one of the...

No. 68 | October 25, 2023

Shrill Carder-Bumble bee

Bombus sylvarum, the shrill carder bee or knapweed carder-bee, is a species of bumblebee with a wide distribution across Europe, east to the Ural Mountains, and north to Great Britain, Ireland, and southern Scandinavia.

No. 67 | October 24, 2023

Confusing Furrow Bee

Halictus confusus, the southern bronze furrow bee, is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae.

No. 66 | October 23, 2023

red-spotted plant bug

Deraeocoris ruber (also known as Mirid Bug) is a species of bugs in Miridae family.

No. 65 | October 22, 2023

Black-backed meadow ant

Formica pratensis, the black-backed meadow ant, is a species of European red wood ant in the family Formicidae.

No. 64 | October 21, 2023

Black-backed meadow ant

Formica pratensis, the black-backed meadow ant, is a species of European red wood ant in the family Formicidae.

No. 63 | October 20, 2023

Sloe Bug

Dolycoris baccarum, the sloe bug, is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae....

No. 62 | October 19, 2023

Wood, Mound, and Field Ants

No. 61 | October 18, 2023

Oedemera femorata

No. 59 | October 16, 2023

Common Crab Spider

Xysticus cristatus, the common crab spider, is a European spider from the family Thomisidae.

No. 58 | October 15, 2023

Deraeocoris lutescens

No. 57 | October 14, 2023

Black Vine Weevil

Otiorhynchus sulcatus, commonly known as the black vine weevil or simply vine weevil, is native to Europe, but common in North America as well. It is a pest of many garden plants.

No. 56 | October 13, 2023

Red-barbed Ant

Formica rufibarbis is a European formicine ant of the Formica fusca group. In the classification by Auguste Forel, it is treated in the subgenus Serviformica. F. rufibarbis is subject to a Species Action Plan (SAP) in England, where it is known from only two locations, although it is not considered to be at risk on continental Europe.

No. 55 | October 12, 2023

Forest Bug

The forest bug or red-legged shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes) is a species of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae....

No. 54 | October 11, 2023

Common Red Soldier Beetle

The common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva), also misleadingly known as the bloodsucker beetle, and popularly known in England as the Hogweed Bonking Beetle is a species of soldier beetle (Cantharidae).

No. 53 | October 10, 2023

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an insect in the family Pentatomidae, native to China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Taiwan. In September 1998 it was collected in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where it is believed to have been accidentally introduced. The nymphs and adults of the brown marmorated stink bug feed on over 100 species of plants, including many agricultural crops, and by 2010–11 had become a season-long pest in orchards in the Eastern United...

No. 52 | October 9, 2023

Common Winter Damselfly

Sympecma fusca, the common winter damselfly, is a damselfly a member of the Lestidae and related to the emeralds or spreadwings....

No. 51 | October 8, 2023

variable longhorn beetle

Stenocorus meridianus is a species of longhorn beetle in the Lepturinae subfamily that can be found anywhere in Europe (except for Faroe Islands, Iceland and Ireland, Malta, and parts of Italy such as San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, and Vatican city), Caucasus, and Kazakhstan. They are 15–27 millimetres (0.59–1.06 in). The species have brown coloured legs, but can have either black (female) or brown (male) coloured prothorax. They occasionally feed on deciduous trees such as elm, maple, and...

No. 50 | October 7, 2023

Rhododendron Leafhopper

Graphocephala fennahi (rhododendron leafhopper) is a species of leafhopper native to the United States. Its common name derives from it feeding on the sap of rhododendrons. The species was introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s. There has been suggestion that the rhododendron leafhopper contributes to the spread of a rhododendron fungus (Pycnostysanus azaleae) through Europe.

No. 49 | October 6, 2023

Locust Blowfly

Stomorhina lunata is a species of fly in the family Calliphoridae, often misidentified because of the unusual band pattern in the abdomen, typical of hoverflies. S. lunata is an important egg predator of some major African agricultural pests, the South African Brown locust (Locustana pardalina), the more widespread Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), and the migratory locust (Locustana migratoria).

No. 48 | October 5, 2023

Two-spotted Grass Bug

Stenotus binotatus is a species of plant bug, originally from Europe, but now also established across North America and New Zealand. It is 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long, yellowish, with darker markings on the pronotum and forewings. It feeds on various grasses, and can be a pest of crops such as wheat.

No. 47 | October 4, 2023

Lesser House Fly

The lesser house fly or little house fly, Fannia canicularis, is somewhat smaller (3.5–6 mm (0.14–0.24 in)) than the common housefly. It is best known for its habit of entering buildings and circling near the center of rooms. It is slender, and the median vein in the wing is straight. Larvae feed on all manner of decaying organic matter, including carrion. Among the Fanniidae, this species is the one most frequently associated with myiasis.

No. 46 | October 3, 2023

Green Shield Bug

The green shield bug (Palomena prasina) is a shield bug of the family Pentatomidae. It may also be referred to as a green stink bug, particularly outside of Britain, although the name green stink bug more appropriately belongs to the larger North American stink bug, Acrosternum hilare. The adult green shield bug ranges in the colour of their backs from bright green to bronze, without any substantial markings. Green shield bugs are a very common shield...

No. 45 | October 2, 2023

Nut Weevil

Curculio nucum (nut weevil) is a medium-sized beetle, with an especially elongated snout, characteristic of the Curculionini tribe of the weevil family (Curculionidae). Its larvae develop in hazel nuts Corylus avellana, being a serious pest in hazenut orchards. It occurs in most of Europe, from south Sweden, Finland and Great Britain to the Mediterranean.

No. 44 | October 1, 2023

Dock Leaf Bug

No. 43 | September 30, 2023

northern fruit bug

Carpocoris fuscispinus is a species of shield bug in the Pentatomidae family.

No. 42 | September 29, 2023

Ant Damselbug

Himacerus mirmicoides, common name ant damsel bug, is a species of damsel bugs belonging to the family Nabidae, subfamily Nabinae.

No. 41 | September 28, 2023

Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle

The 14-spotted Ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) is a small lady beetle, belonging to the family Coccinellidae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name 14-spotted ladybird beetle, or simply P-14.

No. 40 | September 27, 2023

Megalocoleus tanaceti

No. 39 | September 26, 2023

Coccinula quatuordecimpustulata

No. 38 | September 25, 2023

European Paper Wasp

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula, often misspelled as dominulus) is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus Polistes. Its diet is more diverse than that of most Polistes species (many genera of insects versus mainly caterpillars in other Polistes), giving it superior survival value over many other wasp species during a shortage of resources.

No. 37 | September 24, 2023

Oedemera virescens

No. 36 | September 23, 2023

European Paper Wasp

The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula, often misspelled as dominulus) is one of the most common and well-known species of social wasps in the genus Polistes. Its diet is more diverse than that of most Polistes species (many genera of insects versus mainly caterpillars in other Polistes), giving it superior survival value over many other wasp species during a shortage of resources.

No. 35 | September 22, 2023

Oedemera virescens

No. 34 | September 21, 2023

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly

Volucella zonaria, the hornet mimic hoverfly, is a European species of hoverfly.

No. 33 | September 20, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 32 | September 19, 2023

Sarcophaga carnaria

Sarcophaga carnaria or the common flesh fly is a European species of flesh fly.

No. 31 | September 18, 2023

Sharp-collared Furrow Bee

Lasioglossum malachurum, the sharp-collared furrow bee, is a small European halictid bee. This species is obligately eusocial, with queens and workers, though the differences between the castes are not nearly as extreme as in honey bees. Early taxonomists mistakenly assigned the worker females to a different species from the queens. They are small (about 1 cm), shiny, mostly black bees with off-white hair bands at the bases of the abdominal segments. L. malachurum is one of the...

No. 30 | September 17, 2023

Sturmia bella

Sturmia bella is a species of fly in the family Tachinidae. Larvae can parasitize over twenty lepidopteran species, such as Parantica sita.

No. 29 | September 16, 2023

Locust Blowfly

Stomorhina lunata is a species of fly in the family Calliphoridae, often misidentified because of the unusual band pattern in the abdomen, typical of hoverflies. S. lunata is an important egg predator of some major African agricultural pests, the South African Brown locust (Locustana pardalina), the more widespread Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), and the migratory locust (Locustana migratoria).

No. 28 | September 15, 2023

Sturmia bella

Sturmia bella is a species of fly in the family Tachinidae. Larvae can parasitize over twenty lepidopteran species, such as Parantica sita.

No. 27 | September 14, 2023

Hyaline Grass Bug

Liorhyssus hyalinus is a species of scentless plant bugs belonging to the family Rhopalidae, subfamily Rhopalinae.

No. 26 | September 13, 2023

Sharp-collared Furrow Bee

Lasioglossum malachurum, the sharp-collared furrow bee, is a small European halictid bee. This species is obligately eusocial, with queens and workers, though the differences between the castes are not nearly as extreme as in honey bees. Early taxonomists mistakenly assigned the worker females to a different species from the queens. They are small (about 1 cm), shiny, mostly black bees with off-white hair bands at the bases of the abdominal segments. L. malachurum is one of the...

No. 25 | September 12, 2023

transparent rhopalid

No. 24 | September 11, 2023

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Misumena vatia is a species of crab spider with holarctic distribution. In North America, where it is the largest and best-known flower spider, it is called the goldenrod crab spider or flower (crab) spider, because it is commonly found hunting in goldenrod sprays in the autumn. Young males in the early summer may be quite small and easily overlooked, but females can grow up to 10 mm (excluding legs); males reach 5 mm at most.

No. 23 | September 10, 2023

Oedemera virescens

No. 22 | September 9, 2023

Hyaline Grass Bug

Liorhyssus hyalinus is a species of scentless plant bugs belonging to the family Rhopalidae, subfamily Rhopalinae.

No. 21 | September 8, 2023

Gorse Shield Bug

Piezodorus lituratus, common name gorse shield bug, is a species of Pentatomidae, a family of shield bugs.

No. 20 | September 7, 2023

22-spot Ladybird

Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata (often abbreviated to Psyllobora 22-punctata), the 22-spot ladybird, is a 3–5 mm long ladybird commonly found in Europe . Unlike most other ladybirds which feed on aphids, P. 22-punctata eats mildew — especially from umbellifers and low-growing shrubs .

No. 19 | September 6, 2023

Shrill Carder-Bumble bee

Bombus sylvarum, the shrill carder bee or knapweed carder-bee, is a species of bumblebee with a wide distribution across Europe, east to the Ural Mountains, and north to Great Britain, Ireland, and southern Scandinavia.

No. 18 | September 5, 2023

Black-shouldered Shieldbug

Carpocoris purpureipennis is a species of shield bug belonging to the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Pentatominae....

No. 17 | September 4, 2023

Black Garden Ant

The black garden ant (Lasius niger), also known as the common black ant, is a formicine ant, the type species of the subgenus Lasius, found all over Europe and in some parts of North America, South America, Asia and Australasia. The European species was split into two species; L. niger is found in open areas, while L. platythorax is found in forest habitats. It is monogynous, meaning colonies have a single queen.

No. 16 | September 3, 2023

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle

Coccinella septempunctata, the seven-spot ladybird (or, in North America, seven-spotted ladybug or "C-7"), is the most common ladybird in Europe. Its elytra are of a red colour, but punctuated with three black spots each, with one further spot being spread over the junction of the two, making a total of seven spots, from which the species derives both its common and scientific names (from the Latin septem = "seven" and punctus = "spot").

No. 15 | September 2, 2023

Bramble Sawfly

Arge cyanocrocea, the bramble sawfly, is a species of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae....

No. 14 | September 1, 2023

Marbled White

Melanargia galathea, the marbled white, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae....

No. 13 | August 31, 2023

Marbled White

Melanargia galathea, the marbled white, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae....

No. 12 | August 30, 2023

Mint beetle

Chrysolina coerulans, also known as the blue mint beetle or blue mint leaf beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a member of the subgenus Synerga of the genus Chrysolina. It is native to a wide range of countries between mid and eastern Europe and lives alongside rivers and in meadows, it feeds on various plant members of the mint family.

No. 10 | August 28, 2023

European beewolf

Philanthus triangulum, commonly known as the European beewolf, bee-killer wasp or the bee-eating philanthus (from the now obsolete synonym Philanthus apivorus), is a solitary wasp that lives in the Western Palearctic and Afrotropics. Although the adults of the species are herbivores (feeding on nectar and pollen), the species derives its name from the behavior of the inseminated females, who hunt Western honey bees. The female places several of its paralyzed prey together with an egg in...

No. 9 | August 27, 2023

European beewolf

Philanthus triangulum, commonly known as the European beewolf, bee-killer wasp or the bee-eating philanthus (from the now obsolete synonym Philanthus apivorus), is a solitary wasp that lives in the Western Palearctic and Afrotropics. Although the adults of the species are herbivores (feeding on nectar and pollen), the species derives its name from the behavior of the inseminated females, who hunt Western honey bees. The female places several of its paralyzed prey together with an egg in...

No. 8 | August 26, 2023

Chrysis ignita

Chrysis ignita is a species of cuckoo wasp. It is one of a group of species which are difficult to separate and which may be referred to as ruby-tailed wasps.

No. 7 | August 25, 2023

European beewolf

Philanthus triangulum, commonly known as the European beewolf, bee-killer wasp or the bee-eating philanthus (from the now obsolete synonym Philanthus apivorus), is a solitary wasp that lives in the Western Palearctic and Afrotropics. Although the adults of the species are herbivores (feeding on nectar and pollen), the species derives its name from the behavior of the inseminated females, who hunt Western honey bees. The female places several of its paralyzed prey together with an egg in...

No. 6 | August 24, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 5 | August 23, 2023

Golden Digger Wasp

Sphex funerarius, the golden digger wasp, is a species of digger wasp belonging to the family Sphecidae.

No. 4 | August 22, 2023

Marmalade Hover Fly

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to...

No. 3 | August 21, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 2 | August 20, 2023

Garden Bumble Bee

The garden bumblebee or small garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a species of bumblebee found in most of Europe north to 70ºN, as well as parts of Asia and New Zealand. It is distinguished from other bumblebees by its long tongue used for feeding on pollen in deep-flowered plants. They have a remarkable visual memory capacity, which aids them in navigating the territory close to their habitat and seeking out food sources. Due to its long...

No. 1 | August 19, 2023

Green Dock Beetle

Gastrophysa viridula, known as the green dock beetle, green dock leaf beetle or green sorrel beetle, is a species of beetle native to Europe.