Insects & Invertebrates
Cannibal animals: 11 creatures that eat their own species - there may be some surprises...
It may seem gruesome, but many animals have been recorded feeding on their own species. Here are 11 cannibalistic animals, including some that might surprise you.
Butterfly emergency declared
Following stark results of this summer's Big Butterfly Count, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has declared a 'Butterfly Emergency’
Terrifying tiny millipede fires menacing Velcro-like bristles from its butt at assailants
With its unique, Velcro-like bristles that cling to predators, the tiny Porcupine-Velcro Millipede (Polyxenus fasciculatus) is a master of self-defence in the insect world.
6 blood-sucking animals - that aren't insects
While insects are best-known for feeding on blood, there's actually a few more species that target this protein-rich liquid.
Termites wear explosive 'backpacks' and blow themselves up to protect their colony
How a 'backpack' full of a toxic blue substance allows a termite to blow itself up, along with the threat, if its colony is threatened
Are these the weirdest eyes ever—and the biggest for their body size? Meet the bizarre stalk-eyed flies, nature's oddball insect
In the world of male stalk-eyed flies, size id everything when it comes to eyes says Nick Baker.
6 of the prettiest - and possibly weirdest - insects in the world that you might not know
There some amazingly beautiful, yet little known, insects on our planet. Stuart Blackman picks a few of his favourites
This metallic blue tarantula is the most beautiful spider in the world – and it's also one of the world's rarest
If ever proof were needed that spiders can be beautiful, then this is surely it. Meet the Gooty tarantula
This venomous spider traps male fireflies in its web and forces them to flash like females. Experts just found out why
Scientists think that the orb-weaver spider's venomous bite might somehow cause behavioural changes in the fireflies. A new study shines a light on why they do this.
Is spider silk - pound for pound - as strong as steel?
Just how strong is spider silk? Richard Jones takes a look
6 terrifying worms that will give you nightmares, from one that can slice its prey in half to a nine-foot monster
Prepare for a scare as we take a look at some of the most terrifying worms on the planet.
How long can a cockroach live without its head?
Did you know insects can live without their heads? We take a look at how long a cockroach could survive without its head
What's the biggest centipede in the world? Meet the stuff of nightmares, venomous enough to kill a bat - and possibly a small child
Meet the biggest - and most venomous - centipede in the world
Tarantula discovered in Arizona's 'Sky Islands' already at risk of extinction, say scientists
Over the next few decades, the forests that cloak the Chiricahua Mountains will be “pushed off” because of climate change, in turn leading to the extinction of the newly described spider, say scientists from the University of Idaho.
How do bees make royal jelly? And who in the hive is lucky enough to eat this tasty delight?
What is royal jelly and how do bees make it? Richard Jones takes look
What's the difference between spider silk and caterpillar silk?
What is silk? Is caterpillar silk the same as spider silk?
Richard Jones takes a look
How do spiders fly and how far can they go? You will be surprised...
Helen Smith takes a look at how and why spiders take to the skies
Do butterflies really lose the ability to fly if their wings are touched?
Richard Jones explains the truth behind the myth butterflies lose the ability to fly if their wings are touched
This super-rare fish-hunting spider is making a comeback in the UK. Here's why it's exciting
Narrowly evading extinction in 2010, the fen raft spider – one of the UK’s largest spiders – is making an incredible recovery thanks to successful conservation efforts. And it's good news for other wildlife too...
Why do we see more spiders in the summer?
Richard Jones takes a look at why spiders make their presence felt during the summer months
Do snails and slugs have teeth? From cutting to slicing, why snails and slugs have thousands of deadly teeth
You have probably never thought about whether snails and slugs have teeth, but they do...
"It looks like a rotting plastic bag." Astonishingly strange half-a-billion-year-old slug discovered in China
The new species of extinct marine animal, found in China's Yunnan Province, sheds light on the early stages of mollusc evolution, say scientists.
Does Antarctica have any insects? And what's this hostile continent's largest permanent land animal?
Antarctica's hostile conditions doesn't make it an ideal place for insects says Richard Jones
How water beetles find - and navigate to - new ponds
Jules Howard takes a look at how water beetles find new homes