Insects & Invertebrates
This parasitic creature penetrates its host with potent venom and injects its eggs – and could be lurking in a pond near you
Discover the fairy wasp, a dastardly winged insect that parasitises beetle eggs in the depths of garden ponds
"It may sound freaky, but it can actually 'see' with its genitals"
Are these the weirdest genitals ever?
They look like ants, they act like ants – but these destructive, house-wrecking little terrors are no ants
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This deadly killer - which looks like it's riding a pale pink magic carpet – likes to paralyse and liquidise its prey
If you're visiting a sandy beach you may like to reflect on something that might be going on below your feet. Lurking behind the veil of wet sand, a killer is on the prowl. A driller-killer, no less. Let me introduce you to the moon snail
He uses his huge, giant neck to wrestle and show off with. She uses hers to sew an intricate leaf cradle for her one, very precious egg
This curious species of long-necked
beetle is unique to Madagascar
This deadly killer plans, waits… and abseils from above, in spectacular Mission Impossible-style
Is this the world's smartest spider?
It might not have any ears, but that doesn't stop it having the best hearing in the animal kingdom. Here's why...
When it comes to having good hearing, it seems ears don't matter
From shrimp that look like candy canes to eels that mimic snowflakes: 6 festive animals named after Christmas
It's not all robins and reindeer – here are 6 festive species that are associated with Christmas
Californian researchers are preparing for the return of a parasitic flesh-eating maggot – that has been confirmed in humans
The New World screwworm was eradicated from the US around 60 years ago – but it's now within 70 miles of the Texas border
This deadly creepy crawly is a foot long with 21 legs, venomous enough to kill a bat - and a small child – and has eaten flesh from a human corpse
Meet the biggest - and most venomous - centipede in the world
It stretches 106 square metres and spans two countries – and it's home to over one hundred thousand scuttling residents
This epic animal home lies in a huge cave system underneath Albania and Greece
Think you’re seeing a giant, humongous spider? Think again… as all is not what it seems
Meet the puppet master...
It spans 6000 km of the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France and Italy – the animal that builds cities
How one super-sized ant colony could house half a billion ants
Which insect can be crowned the UK's largest? There's one that's an impressive 12cm long
The charity Buglife takes a look at the contenders for the UK's biggest insects
Why do spiders have 8 eyes?
When it comes to eyes, spiders are spoilt for choice...
Butterflies are changing the way they behave – and climate change is to blame
Some red admirals now stay for winter instead of migrating south
“A beehive is as natural as a pasture of grazing sheep.” Why beekeeping is causing a huge problem for wild bees – according to scientists
A dramatic rise in the number of managed beehives is negatively impacting wild pollinating insects
Love spiders? 18 incredible, gob-smacking spider facts, from the biggest to the deadliest - and even how many are probably living in your house right now
Spiders are one of the easiest groups of invertebrates to watch and they're fascinating creatures. Here are some of our favourite fun spider facts.
Purple is nature's rarest colour but purple animals do exist: Meet 9 beautiful, incredible purple animals that look like they've been painted
Can a butterfly fight back before it’s even born? Can it really defend itself in the chrysalis?
Butterflies can defend themselves in their chrysalises, and not just by using camouflage or warning colours.
He chases her, impresses her with his dancing and then taps her body to assess her breeding condition. If she passes, he starts to serenade her...
Would this impress you?
Weird spider with no eyes found on remote Atlantic island. Arachnologists are baffled
By searching through museum specimens, scientists found two new, and rather peculiar, spiders species from St Helena: one eyeless and another with thick armour.
Do slugs freeze in winter?
Some do, but slugs are surprisingly adept at surviving freezing conditions – very low temperatures do not have a particularly negative impact on overall numbers for the following year.
10 real-life zombies: These deadly brain-hijacking parasites can create suicidal rats, pulsating snails, dancing fish – and can even infect humans
It might sound like a horror film, but did you know that zombie parasites not only infect – they also use mind control to kill their hosts. Aoife Glass takes a look at some the world's most horrific zombie parasites...