The NHBS Conservation Hub – news, reviews and resources
Colloquially known as ladybugs or ladybirds, these species are a well-known part of UK wildlife. Appearing in the nursery rhyme ‘Ladybird ladybird’, as the symbol for Ladybird Books, and in arts and crafts activities at school, they are a familiar sight for most of us from a young age. Ladybirds are beetles and belong to … Continue reading “The NHBS Guide to UK Ladybird Beetle Identification”
To the general naturalist, ladybirds are arguably the most familiar group of beetles and an up-to-date field guide has been long overdue. Now, after exhaustive research and diligent illustrations, this brand new field guide covering all 47 species of ladybird occurring in Britain and Ireland is finally available. The authors Helen E. Roy … Continue reading “Field Guide to the Ladybirds of Britain and Ireland:”
Helen Roy, Ecological Entomologist at the Biological Records Centre, is one of a team of authors who have been involved in the revision of this classic Naturalists’ Handbook. I see from your professional history that throughout most of your career you have been involved in research with ladybirds. What originally drew you to these fascinating … Continue reading “Ladybirds: an interview with Helen Roy, Ecological Entomologist at the BRC”
The Field Studies Council has been educating the public on Britain’s natural environment for 70 years, and its publications have played a vital part in making nature more accessible. Three generations of wildlife enthusiasts and conservation professionals have learned about the UK’s plants and animals through Field Studies Council courses and honed their skills with … Continue reading “Q&A with Dr Rebecca Farley-Brown: Head of Field Studies Council Publications”
The Royal Entomological Society (RES) is an organisation dedicated to advancing the field of insect science. Through encouraging open communication, research and publication, the RES hopes to enrich the world with entomology. Developed in collaboration with the RES, the Royal Entomological Society Bug Hunting Kits provide naturalist users with the tools to safely capture, observe … Continue reading “Equipment in Focus: Royal Entomological Society Bug Hunting Kits”
Springtime is often synonymous with rebirth, renewal and regrowth. As the Earth’s axis tilts towards the sun, our days become warmer and the snow starts to melt. The rivers and streams swell, air and ground temperatures rise, and we start to see new plant growth. There are no fixed calendar dates for the beginning of … Continue reading “Phenology Series: Spring”
For those of us living where there are four distinct seasons, summer is the period of long, warmer days where the skies, fields, lakes and mountains are alive with the busy activities of plants and animals at the peak of their growing year. Most of the animals that have hatched or been born earlier this … Continue reading “Phenology Series: Summer”
Our second article in our Testing the Guide series looks at An Identification Guide to Garden Insects of Britain and North-West Europe, a photographic identification guide to 150 species of garden insects most commonly found in Britain and north-west Europe. This guide includes an introduction covering how to attract insects to your garden, advice on … Continue reading “Testing the Guide: An Identification Guide to Garden Insects of Britain and North-West Europe”
Shieldbugs are insects in the superfamily Pentatomoidea. They are characterised by their well-developed scutellum, the hardened extension of the thorax over the abdomen. Many shieldbug species are triangular, with a broad pronotum and pointed end to the abdomen. They also produce a foul-smelling liquid from their prothoracic glands, which inspired the American name “stink bug”, … Continue reading “The NHBS Guide to UK Shieldbug Identification”
This festive season, why not consider giving a gift that will also support your local wildlife. Wildlife populations in the UK are facing serious threats and many species are in decline, however there are ways in which we can protect and help at-risk species by creating havens for wildlife in our own gardens. At NHBS … Continue reading “Gift Ideas That Support Wildlife”
