Beaneath our feet is a hidden world of wonder which many of us do not get to see. Yet it is there all the time. Earlier I lifted up a plant leaf that was trailing across a flagstone, a simple act, and peered beneath it. I entered ‘their’ world.
Please click on an image for a larger more detailed view. Clicking a second time may get you a little closer.
Rear garden, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
This one was a new one on me, and it was a wonder I saw it in the first place. It is only about 3 to 4mm (0.2in) long. It is one of the spider beetles for it has quite long legs. It has distinctive white patches on its wing casings. In the image below it is in a defensive posture with its long antennae tucked in at its sides.
Apparently this little beetle does the cleaning up, and it feeds on decaying insects. It has been found inside bees nests where it feeds on detritus, and possibly pollen stores for the bee larvae, which may then cause problems for the developing bees.
Rear garden, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
… the larvae stage first. This is the Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis). It readily consumes aphids just like the adult beetle does, so is a good friend to have in your garden. I try to resist the urge to use sprays on my roses, as usually, in the end, these little critters come to their rescue.
Rear garden, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
I discovered this ladybird pupa on the side of my green wheely bin this morning. I think it is relatively fresh as it was still moving, pulsating and flicking. Where it is attached to the bin is the remains of the larva’s skin. I believe it is of that of a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).
Rear garden, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.
Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis f. succinea) mating, rear garden, Staffordshire, England. May 2017.
During the spring and summer months you may come across a range of soldier beetles as they feed in meadows and hedgerows. Both these species are fairly common and widespread. The adult beetle and the larvae are both hunters of soft-bodied insects, but the adults are often seen feeding on pollen.
Top image May 2012, bottom image May 2010, local field and woodland margins, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2010 and 2012.
This beetle with an extraordinary long name literally fell out of the sky and landed on my glasses as I walked through a forest – a nature lovers dream! With only a body length of up to 8mm, the colouration is such it makes for perfect camouflage amongst the foliage and forest floor debris. Note the chalky-white band across the scutellum and white bands on the antennae.
The larvae feed in dead twigs of broadleaved trees and shrubs, especially oak.
The adults are seen April to June, sometimes autumn. Found in deciduous woodland. Widely scattered over England and Wales, absent in Scotland.
May 2013, Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. © Pete Hillman 2013.
This is a fairly large beetle with fiery red wing-cases and thorax, a small black head with feathery antennae, and black legs. Similar to Pyrochroa serraticornis, which has a red head. Length 15 to 20mm.
The larvae predate on other insects under tree bark.
Seen May to July, and usually found resting on vegetation in hedgerows and woodland margins. Common and widespread in the south of England and in Wales, becoming scarce further north and absent in Scotland.
May 2012, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012.
A brownish weevil with patches of yellowish scales on the elytra from which bear shiny raised nodules. The pronotum (thoracic plate) is pebbly, and it has long antennae. Similar to the Nut Weevil (Curculio nacum). Length 8 to 12mm.
The Vine Weevil can be a troublesome insect in both adult and larvae form. The adults eat the leaves and shoots of many plants, and the larvae chew through the roots doing the most damage.
Seen summer and autumn months. Found in various habitats, including gardens. Common and widespread throughout.
May 2014, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014.
Please click image for better resolution and you may spot his very small friend.
Quite an unusual coloured and patterned beetle. It has shiny, mirror-like, purplish eye spots on green elytra. Length 6 to 8mm.
It feeds on other small invertebrates, and is seen all year round, but it is more active during the summer months. Found near ponds and streams , marshes, in wet muddy areas in general. Because of its size and colouration it can be quite hard to spot. Common and widespread throughout England and Wales, scarcer further north.
June 2013, local pond, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2013.
The large red spot at the rear of each shiny green elytron is characteristic of this species. Length 5 to 8mm.
The larvae hunt other invertebrates under loose bark, whilst the adults feed on pollen.
Seen April to July, and mainly found in grassy areas near woodland. Common and widespread throughout Britain.
May 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014.
This soldier beetle has a blackish elytra, a bright red pronotum with a dark central marking. The femora are also red. Length 12 to 16mm.
It feeds on other invertebrates. Seen May to June, and found in flowery habitats, including hedgerows, scrub, woodland margins and various grass places. Common and widespread, except for the far north.
May 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014.
Also called the ‘Bracken Chafer’, it has a shiny green or black head and thorax, and the elytra is light brown or deep chestnut in colour. Length 7 to 12mm.
The larvae feed on the roots of grasses, including cereals, whilst the adults can cause damage to apple and pear trees by chewing their buds.
Seen May to June, and found in gardens, and many other habitats like hedgerows and woodland rides. Common and widespread throughout.
May 2014, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014.
A shiny metallic black/bronze (also greenish) beetle which is covered in white spots and long white hairs. The hairs disappear as the beetle matures. The pronotum has 6 white spots arranged in two rows of 3 spots each. Length 8 to 12mm.
The larvae feed on plant roots, and the adults feed on pollen of various plants, and may become serious pests in fruit orchards.
Seen May to July, and found in deciduous woods, hedgerows and orchards. Found mainly in the south and the Midlands.
June 2013, local hedgerow, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2013.
The name of this species of beetle appears contradictory as it is quite small, growing up to no longer than 3.5mm long. Also called the ‘Turnip Flea Beetle’, it has distinctive yellow bands on the elytra. Similar to Phyllotreta undulata.
It feeds on various wild and cultivated Brassicaceae, where it can become quite a pest. The adults feed on the leaves, and the larvae are leaf-miners.
Seen April to September, and found in various habitats, but especially cultivated land. Found mainly in England, widespread but local.
May 2015, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2015. Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
This is quite an attractive beetle with bright metallic bluish-green elytra (wing cases) which are strongly punctured with tiny holes. The head is dark metallic blue to black, and the thorax and legs are toffee coloured. It is very similar to Oulema melanopus, and separation via genitalia dissection is usually necessary to distinguish the species. Length 4 to 6mm.
The adults and larvae feed on grasses and may cause damage to cereal crops, and may be considered a pest species.
Seen April to September, and found in grassy places. Common and widespread in the southern half of Britain.
March 2014, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
These beetles are bright metallic green with long antennae. The males have large swollen hind femora and open elytra. Length 8 to 10mm.
The adults visit many flowers, particularly yellow ones, to feed on their pollen. The larvae develop in the old stems of plants such a ragwort.
Seen April to September, in open flowery habitats such as meadows and gardens. Common and widespread throughout Britain, declining further north of Wales.
Photograph of Swollen- thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) taken June 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
This soldier beetle has dark greyish elytra, a black shiny head and a bright orange-red pronotum. The legs are entirely reddish-orange or with some black. Length 9 to 12mm.
It feeds on other invertebrates.
Seen May to July, in flowery habitats, including hedgerows, scrub, woodland margins and various grassy places. Common and widespread throughout Britain.
Photograph of Cantharis pellucida taken May 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
I see quite a number of these brightly coloured soldier beetles on my walks in spring and summer, but although they all may initially look the same, there are several species which can lead to some confusion in identification.
This soldier beetle has dark greyish elytra, a bright orange-red or orange-yellow pronotum which has a dark central marking which varies in size, and may also be absent. The antennae and legs are reddish-orange, except for the hind legs which are mainly black extending beyond the knee. Length 9 to 11mm.
It feeds on other invertebrates.
Seen May to July in flowery habitats, including hedgerows, scrub, woodland margins and various grassy places. Common and widespread throughout Britain.
Photograph of Cantharis nigricans taken May 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
This is quite a distinctive red beetle with red wing-cases, thorax and head, and black legs. Similar to Pyrochroa coccinea which is larger and has a black head. Length 10 to 18mm.
The larvae predate on other insects.
They are seen May to July, in woodland and hedgerows. Common and widespread in the south of England and in Wales, becoming scarce further north and absent in Scotland.
Photograph of Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) taken May 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
Also referred to as ‘Propylea quatuordecimpunctata’, which is quite a mouthful, this is a small bright yellow ladybird with seven or more or less black rectangular or roundish spots on each elytron. There is a broad black line running along the suture, and in the centre maybe a rectangular spot. It is common to find individuals with fused spots.The legs are brown. Length up to 6mm.
Both the adults and larvae feed on aphids. Most active from May to September. Found in various habitats, but especially where there are trees and shrubs, including hedgerows and gardens. Common and widespread throughout.
Photograph taken of 14-spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata) June 2016, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2016. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
The Bloody-nosed Beetle is Britain’s largest leaf beetle. It is black with a bluish iridescence, flightless and is fairly slow-moving. It gets its name from releasing a drop of red fluid from its mouth when disturbed. It grows up to 23mm long.
It feeds on bedstraws. It is seen April to September. Found on coastland, farmland, grassland and heathland. Common and widespread in the south of England and Wales.
Photographs of the Bloody-nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricos), taken August 2013, Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset. © Pete Hillman 2013. Camera used Nikon Coolpix P500.
On warm spring evenings I often hear these large beetles whirling above the trees and shrubs at the bottom of my back garden before I actually see them. Also called the ‘May Bug’ or ‘May Beetle’, it is a large beetle which has a black head and pronotum, which are covered in short pale hairs. It has a pointed abdomen which looks like it may contain a sting, but it doesn’t and it is completely harmless. The wing cases are reddish-brown in colour and are ribbed, and are covered in fine grey hairs which make them appear dustied. They have large fan-like antennae which are longer in the males. They can grow up to 30mm long
The C-shaped larvae feed on the roots of a wide range of plants, including cereal crops, living in the ground for up to 5 years. Often called ‘Rook Worms’, they are fat and white grubs which are 40 to 50mm long. The adults feed on the leaves and flowers of many deciduous trees and shrubs, and other plants, but rarely do much harm.
After mating the females lay between 20 to 30 eggs 20cm deep in soft soil. The eggs hatch after around 21 days where the larvae will remain up to 5 years feeding on roots. They pupate in autumn and overwinter in this state until the following May or June when the adults emerge. The adults live up to 8 weeks.
Seen May to June, and found in woodland, farmland, hedgerows and gardens.Cockchafers are often attracted to light at night, and are often heard making a loud buzzing noise, which is the sound their wings make during flight. They are fairly clumsy fliers, and often bump into things, especially lighted windows. They are commonly seen at dusk circling trees, sometimes swarming in large numbers. Common and widespread in southern Britain, rarer further north.
Photograph of Common Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) taken May 2014, rear garden , Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
Today whilst checking the garden pond I noticed how these Great Diving Beetle (Dytiscus Marginalis) larvae are growing bigger, and one was feeding off another. I managed to scoop one out to get some photos before releasing back into the pond. These are helping to keep the gnat larvae numbers down.
Photographs taken of Great Diving Beetle (Dytiscus Marginalis) larva in August 2016, rear garden pond, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2016. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
This is the brightly coloured pupa casing of the Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis). I found it glued to the underneath of a fern in my back garden. Notice the black and white remains of shed spiky larval skin at the base of the pupa.
This can be quite a variable ladybird, with the typical form having 2 black spots on bright red elytra, as in the above photograph. Other forms have black elytra with 2, 4 or 6 red spots. They are fairly small, growing up to 6mm long.
It is a very fierce predator of aphids.
Found all year round, and in the winter months it maybe found hibernating in sheltered crevices of bark or in outbuildings like garden sheds. It is most active March to November. Seen in most habitats, including hedgerows and gardens. An abundant and widespread species throughout Great Britain.
Photograph taken May 2014, rear garden, Staffordshire.
I have observed quite a few of these aquatic beetle larvae scurrying over the surface of rocks beneath the water in my garden pond. I have also seen them catch prey and eat it. They appear to be feeding on gnat larvae, of which they have a plentiful supply of.
Aquatic beetle larvae are also called ‘Water Tigers’, such is their voracious appetite. They are long and slender, with sickle-shaped jaws, and when observing them for myself I can see they are pretty nimble and move quickly over the rocks and stones.
The larvae pumps digestive juices into its prey via canals located in its jaws. These juices dissolves the tissues into a kind of soup which it draws out and consumes.
Great Diving Beetle larvae are found in freshwater ponds, and they will eat anything from each other, other invertebrates, to tadpoles, and even small fish in its later stages. At the moment the photos show the larvae in an early stage.
Notice how in the top images it has its tail in the air like a scorpion. They use this to gather oxygen from the air by poking the tip through the surface of the water.
Photographs taken July 2016, rear garden pond, Staffordshire.
This is certainly one of those standout beetles which is fairly hard to miss on ones travels. This is not only because of it bright banana yellow and black colouration, but because of its extraordinary long antennae, hence the name ‘longhorn’. I often see it feeding on pollen or nectar on flowers on the edge of my local wood. It is from a family of beetles delightfully called Cerambycidae, the Longhorn Beetles.
Also called the ‘Harlequin Longhorn’, or the ‘Spotted Longhorn’. The black spots or banding can be variable. They can grow up to 20mm long.
The larvae live in decaying wood of all kinds on which it feeds. They can live up to 3 years in this larval stage, and a further 1 year as an adult beetle.
The adult is seen May to September, and is found on flowers in hedgerows or on woodland margins. Widespread and common throughout.
Photographs taken June 2014, local woodland margin, Staffordshire.
I am lucky enough to live right on the edge of green belt land, and this morning I ventured out amongst the trees and the grass before the rains came again. These are some of the wonderful and beautiful insects I came across in the English jungle. I have yet to identify them all.
Photographs taken June 2016, local walk, Staffordshire.
This is an extraordinary odd-looking weevil with its very long rostrum (snout-like appendage), which is longer in the females. It is golden-brown in colour like the rest of the insect. Similar to the Nut Weevil (Curculio nacum). Length 4 to 8mm.
The larvae feed on the inside of acorns until they burrow out to pupate in the soil.
Seen April to July, and found in oak woods where the weevil bores holes in acorns with its long rostrum and lays eggs inside it. Common and widespread in the south of Britain.
Photographs taken May 2015, local wood, Staffordshire. I found it rather curious to watch this weevil do a strange balancing act with its legs outstretched as can be seen in one of the images above.
It looks nothing like what one would expect a beetle to look like. It appears to be more like an earwig than a beetle, but it is indeed a beetle with short wing casings and a long narrow body. The rove beetle family Staphylinidae contains some of our smallest species of beetle. This little fellow only grows up to 7mm long.
Both the adults and the larvae of many species are predators of other invertebrates, and can be quite the gardener’s friend when keeping down pests like plant mites. Rove beetles have a habit of raising or flicking the tail end of their abdomen in warning, often spraying a noxious chemical. Gyrohypnus angustatus can fly, believe it or not, like many other rove beetles, or beetles in general.
It can be seen all year round, and can be found in various habitats. It is widespread and frequent.
Photographs taken August 2015, rear garden, Staffordshire.
It is not until you get up close and personal with this insect that you realise these beautifully bright and colourful beetles look so ferocious! This is quite a large and variable species of ladybird that come in three forms, one of them being this one, f. spectablis. It it usually black with four red-orange spots, although, to confuse matters further, there can be variations on these forms. Length 7 to 8mm.
They have a voracious appetite and consume large quantities of aphids in both larval and adult forms. Unfortunately they have a tendency to eat other, native ladybirds which pose a serious threat to all of Britain’s Coccinellidae. They also feed on moth and butterfly caterpillars, scale insects and pollen. The spread of this species is being closely monitored.
It can be seen all year round, hibernating in the winter months in tree hollows, sheds, barns, and even houses. Found in many habitats, including hedgerows, woodland verges, grasslands, roadside verges, parks and gardens. Their host plants are various, but particularly lime and sycamore. The Harlequin arrived in Britain in 2004, and has become particularly invasive, often to the detriment of local species. It has spread from the south through the Midlands.
Photographs taken June 2015, rear garden, Staffordshire.
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