Beetles of Britain
There are almost 4000 species of beetle (Coleoptera) found in Britain. Some are tiny, whilst other are more impressive, culminating in the spectacular Stag Beetle, now sadly threatened by habitat loss and changes in woodland management.
Blues
A meadow shimmering with blue butterflies is one of the delights of summer. Sadly, some of these species are in long-term decline and their survival depends on dedicated conservation efforts to maintain their grassland habitats. There are 9 species of Lycaenids (Blues) in Britain, including 3 here in Derbyshire.
Browns
All of these species are various shades of brown, with the notable exception of the beautiful Marbled White. They are not altogether plain however, and often have patterns of orange spots or blotches. There are 11 species in Britain, 6 of which are found in Derbyshire. Unusually for British butterflies, two of this group are virtually restricted to Scotland.
Damselflies
Damselflies are distinguished from true dragonflies by their slender bpdies, similar pairs of wings, and the different gill structure on their larvae. There are 17 breeding species of damselfly in Britain (although in recent years one or two new species such as the Willow Emerald Damselfly have recolonised southern England after many years' absence), in contrast to 26 breeding dragonflies.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies can be seen just about anywhere in Britain, even in town gardens, where some larger species may wander occasionally. Many species are relatively widespread, although some such as the White-faced Darter are habitat specialists and can only be reliably seen on particular nature reserves.
Fritillaries
The fritillaries are attractive orange butterflies with varying striped and spotted black patterned wings. Many have declined dramatically in the last 100 years and are very sensitive to habitat disturbance. This family includes some of Britain's most threatened butterfly species. Eight species are found in Britain, and only one - the widespread Dark Green Fritillary - can be seen in Derbyshire.
Grasshoppers & their relatives
Britain has eleven species of grasshopper and eleven bush-crickets. While some are very common and widespread, others are highly localised creatures found only in specific habitats.
Moths from other places in England
There's a good selection of species here, including one of Britain's rarest moths, from various spots I've visited in the past.
Moths of Derbyshire - part 2
This section includes the hawkmoths, prominents, tiger moths and a few others!
Moths of Derbyshire part 3
This last section contains the Noctuids and various micro-moths I've seen and includes some of Derbyshire's most commonly-seen species.