11 Facts About UK Bugs

Hayden Price
by Hayden Price
Something that many kids love to do is go exploring for insects. However as we get older we can lose this child-like curiosity and simply see insects as pests. To help rekindle your fascination with insects, below are some incredible facts.
Heaviest
The heaviest insect that’s native to the UK is the great silver water beetle, which can weigh up to 30g as an adult.
Longest
The prize for the longest insect goes to the stag beetle. They are approximately 7.5cm when fully grown.
Most Cunning
Moths are very clever insects when it comes to evading predators. For example, they can evade a bat’s echo-locating sonar by simply dropping out of the sky when they hear it nearby. They can also warn other moths that they are dangerous by using sound.
Most Loved
There’s no doubt that there are some insects that people like more than others. This is usually because they look beautiful and actually serve a purpose that’s useful to people. A great example of this is the ladybird. Ladybirds’ unique colouring make them beautiful to look at but they’re also useful in the garden since they get rid of other insects that can damage your plants.
Most Hated
Cockroaches are easily one of the most hated insects, usually because they’re associated with filthy conditions. However, cockroaches are harmless and often live by the seaside and amongst plants just like many other insects.
Most Feared


There’s no doubt that the most feared insect in the UK is the common house spider. A lot of people have a phobia of spiders, regardless of whether they’re harmful or not. Spiders that are native to the UK are usually harmless but that doesn’t stop people jumping in the air when they see one.


Most Dangerous


Luckily the UK isn’t home to many insects that have lethal bites or stings. However, wasp and hornet stings can be potentially lethal, especially for those who are allergic to them.


Biggest Travellers


Ladybirds are one of the biggest travellers when it comes to insects. Each year, billions of ladybirds come from France and Holland to the UK. Another species that travels a huge distance is painted lady butterflies. They travel from North Africa to the UK, which is an incredible distance for such a small creature to cover.


Toughest


Insects may seem very vulnerable from a human perspective but they’re capable of some incredible feats. The dung beetle is easily the strongest insect out there. In tests it’s been show that they can move over 1,000 times their body weight.


Most Misunderstood


Earwigs definitely take the prize for the most misunderstood insect. A lot of it comes down to their name. Contrary to what many people believe, earwigs don’t want to get in your ear. In fact, their original name was ear-wing, due to the shape of their body being similar to a human ear.


Most Beneficial to Other Insects


Bees, wasps and hornets are incredibly beneficial to many other species of insects. This is because the black and yellow colouring is so feared that even insects without stings but with this colouring are feared by predators.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
Next