In late summer into autumn, you may see small cylindrical growths on Beech leaves. These are made by the gall midge Hartigiola annulipes. Look out for them when exploring the […]

Silk Button Galls, one of the many kinds of galls found on our native oaks, really do look as if they have been spun from silken thread. Photo: Amanda Scott

As spring arrives, we can look forward not only to budding flowers, but also to insects, like this Sexton beetle, greeting another year. Photo: Debbie Sea-Kay

Windmill Farm is a haven for dragon- and damselflies, including species such as this Broad-bodied Chaser. Photo: Dougy Wright

This might be our commonest tiger beetle, but its metallic green hue and long-legged bursts of speed make it a delight to see in the spring and summer. Photo: Sarah […]

This dragonfly species is on the wing well into the autumn, and can often be seen away from the ponds where it breeds. Photo: Ray Surridge

This lovely and somewhat rare longhorn beetle species was spotted at Erisey Barton in July.   Photo: Sarah Board

Scientific name: Argiope bruennichi What to look for: · Family: Araneidae. · Colouring and appearance: Female: yellow and black horizontal to zigzag stripes on abdomen. Males: pale brown. · Size: […]

Keeled Skimmers can be spotted near the pools at Higher Bochym in summer. Photo: Kate Dalziel

What a jewel of an insect! This Ruby-tailed Wasp was spotted at Poltesco. Photo: Andy Pay

This little crab spider was spotted scuttling across the beach at Church Cove, near Gunwalloe, but they can be found in many habitats, especially open, undisturbed ground. Photo: Amanda Scott

This attractive little species of Jumping Spider was spotted at Kennack Sands. Photo: Tony Blunden

This lovely little nomad bee was spotted at Poltesco. Called the Flavous Nomad Bee, it was gorging itself on Three-cornered Garlic. Photo: Andy Pay   

No, it’s not a miniature oil slick. That oily film on the surface of puddles on The Lizard is an iron-oxidizing bacterium. Photo: Amanda Scott    

The first flight period of the Yellow-legged Mining Bee is in the spring, when you can spot them nectaring on flowers. You can also look out for their nests in […]

Hornets are not anything like as fearsome as they look. Photo: Ray Surridge