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Lily beetle

Factsheet
Lilioceris lilii – lily beetle (family Chrysomelidae) Many chrysomelid leaf beetles are brightly coloured and metallic. One of the most striking is the bright red lily beetle. This species was only sporadically found in UK until the mid-20 th century when it became established. In recent years it...
Spangled water beetle

Factsheet
Graphoderus zonatus - (family Dytiscadae) Like all dytiscid diving beetles, the spangled water beetle is predatory on other aquatic animals, including tadpoles, and can swim fast with its broadened hind legs and its streamlined shape. However, Graphoderus zonatus is a protected species in Britain...
Acorn weevil

Factsheet
Curculio glandium - (family Curculionidae) All weevils have a snout (known as a ‘rostrum') with the mouthparts at the end, and this acorn weevil has the most strongly-developed snout of all British weevils. The species spends most of its life as a white larva that hollows out the kernels of acorns...
Sulphur beetle

Factsheet
Cteniopus sulphureus - (family Alleculidae) The very distinctive sulphur beetle is the only bright yellow beetle found in the UK. The adults live in flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is usually only found in very dry places such as chalk or sandy grassland in the south of...
Green tiger beetle

Factsheet
Cicindela campestris - (family Cicindelidae) Tiger beetles are closely related to ground beetles but, unlike ground beetles, they always fly away when disturbed. They are mainly found in areas with sandy soils. The larvae live in burrows and wait for prey passing close to the mouths of their...
Rose chafer

Factsheet
Cetonia aurata - (family Scarabaeidae) This typically metallic-green chafer is on the wing – rather noisily – in midsummer, and is usually seen feeding on flowers. This species is restricted to southern areas of Britain and is not found north of the English Midlands, though a similar bronze-...
Violet ground beetle

Factsheet
Carabus violaceus - (family Carabidae) This is one of the largest of British ground beetles. It is widespread in the UK: it is especially associated with wooded areas, but is also commonly found in gardens. Like most ground beetles it is a nocturnal predator and often spends the daytime hidden...
Soldier beetle

Factsheet
Cantharis pellucida - (family Cantharidae) Soldier beetles are so-called because they are slender and straight, and often have red, black, blue or yellow colouring reminiscent of regimental uniforms. Cantharis pellucida is a common species, though the adults are seen only for a rather short period...
Banded pill beetle

Factsheet
Byrrhus fasciatus - (family Byrrhidae) This pill beetle is one of the very few insects that eats moss. It is a slow-moving beetle but it has an effective defence from attack: it can withdraw its legs and antennae into special grooves on the underside of its body, making it difficult for a predator...
Click beetle

Factsheet
Ampedus sanguinolentus (family Elateridae) These beetles get their common name from the distinctive click that they make as they propel themselves into the air (as shown here) with a special mechanism that uses powerful muscles in the thorax. Their larvae have a long thin body and are often called...

What is National Insect Week?

National Insect Week encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects.

Every two years, the Royal Entomological Society organises the week, supported by a large number of partner organisations with interests in the science, natural history and conservation of insects.