The people have spoken and the choice of Guardian readers for the final nominee for UK invertebrate of the year is resounding: all hail Lumbricus…
View More Earthworm – the soil-maker, without whom we’d struggle to feed ourselvesTag: Invertebrates
In defence of wasps: a misunderstood insect with human-like qualities
When I am asked to choose my favourite insect, I have no hesitation in choosing the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). I have been stung many…
View More In defence of wasps: a misunderstood insect with human-like qualitiesA very British butterfly: spectacular swallowtail is built for capricious summers
The swallowtail is Britain’s largest and most spectacular butterfly. Most British butterflies are adapted to surviving gruelling, cold, wet, capricious summers, which is why many…
View More A very British butterfly: spectacular swallowtail is built for capricious summersIn defence of slugs and moths: the pesky invertebrates Britain loves to hate
Slugs eat our lettuce. Moths eat our jumpers. It seems pretty unlikely that either will win the Guardian’s invertebrate of the year competition, and yet…
View More In defence of slugs and moths: the pesky invertebrates Britain loves to hateInvertebrate of the year 2024: all hail Earth’s spineless heroes
We are prone to obsessing over ourselves and over animals like us. But most of the life on Earth is not like us at all.…
View More Invertebrate of the year 2024: all hail Earth’s spineless heroesEarthworms help produce as much grain as Russia, say researchers
Earthworms’ contribution to the world’s grain harvest matches that of Russia, according to a study documenting their enormous role in food production. This amounts to…
View More Earthworms help produce as much grain as Russia, say researchersInsect decline a threat to fruit crops and food security, scientists warn MPs
Fruit growers in the UK are already seeing less yield and lower-quality produce because of the loss of insects, scientists have told MPs, warning that…
View More Insect decline a threat to fruit crops and food security, scientists warn MPs