Explore the vast array of wild species to be found across the UK
Flower crab spider
The flower crab spider is one of 27 species of crab spider. The flower crab spider can alter the colour of its body to match its…
Tortoise bug
A fairly large, variable shieldbug found in grassy areas across England and Wales.
Firebug
This colourful bug is an increasingly common sight in southeast England.
Blue shieldbug
This dazzling blue-green shieldbug is a predator, hunting other insects.
Willow emerald damselfly
A recent colonist to south east England, the metallic-green willow emerald damselfly spends much of its time in the willow and alder…
Frog orchid
This unassuming orchid is easily overlooked. It is found patchily across the UK, but has been declining for decades.
Scarlet pimpernel
The scarlet pimpernel is now in decline due to intensive agricultural practices. It can be found in arable fields, on roadside verges…
Common toad
Despite its warts and ancient associations with witches, the common toad is a gardener's friend, sucking up slugs and snails. It is…
Curlew sandpiper
This elegant wader is an uncommon autumn visitor, often joining flocks of dunlin.
Giant house spider
The giant house spider is one of our fastest invertebrates, running up to half a metre per second. This large, brown spider spins sheet-…
Spotted redshank
This elegant wader is silvery grey in winter but turns black in summer!
Pectoral sandpiper
This wading bird is a rare visitor from North America, usually spotted in autumn.
