Heart and dart moth in trap

Build your own Moth Trap

Moths are a widespread and diverse group of insects, but they can often be overlooked. A large part of this is due to many species being active at night, meaning that people have fewer opportunities to interact with them. They also rely heavily on camouflage and have a reputation for being more ‘drab’ in colour than their day-flying butterfly relatives. However, there are many exceptions … Continue reading Build your own Moth Trap

Linyphiidae spider on leaf

Your friendly neighbourhood British spiders

Michael Pashkevich, PhD Student, writes: One of my favourite traits of spiders is that they are widespread in distribution. This means that they live nearly everywhere that humans do, including within and around our homes. This is particularly good news for Britons, because none of the 650+ spider species in the UK are dangerous to healthy humans. Right now, many of us are being asked … Continue reading Your friendly neighbourhood British spiders

Hover Fly On Poppy Head - credit Kate Howlett

Insects are animals too: why perceptions matter

Kate Howlett, NERC-funded PhD student says, Thank you to everyone who got involved in our little experiment last week to find out who we think of as the Easter bunny. Whilst questions like this which ask about our perception of animal species are often just a bit of fun, they are also important in building up a larger picture about our relationship with the natural … Continue reading Insects are animals too: why perceptions matter

Swallowtail caterpillar UMZC collection

Do caterpillars like it hot?

To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month the Museum is sharing the stories of 27 inspirational women, alongside the animals they work with the most. Esme Ashe-Jepson Museum of Zoology “My PhD investigates the effect of temperature on British butterflies, focusing on caterpillars, using a mix of both lab and field research. As each life stage of a butterfly varies in both form … Continue reading Do caterpillars like it hot?