Get Bug-eyed about Minibeasts

Hunt for bugs and discover more about our wildlife with the OPAL Bugs Count. Experts at the Natural History Museum, together with organisations across the country, are asking everyone to search their local area for bugs and keep a special eye out for six specific minibeasts. Bugs Count is a chance to better understand how and where bugs live. Hunt for bugs in soil and short grass, look on paving and the outsides of buildings and search on plants and shrubs.

John Tweddle, Natural History Museum, commented, ‘We want everyone to get outside and discover the nature on their doorstep, look in your streets, playgrounds and local parks. With our towns and cities expanding, it’s vital we get a better understanding of how our wildlife is being affected by these changes, Taking part is great fun too.’ As a night-time hunter, the devil’s coach horse beetle is a true gardener’s friend and protector of many a vegetable patch. Other bugs to look out for are the dwindling small tortoiseshell butterfly and the 2-spot ladybird, which experts think is in danger of being overtaken by the invasive harlequin ladybird. To find out more information, go to www.OPALexplorenature.org.