Insect Species in Focus

Small, diverse, and often easy to miss: The world of insects is worth a closer look. In the insect profiles, you can discover different species and their special features. You will learn more about their appearance, their way of life, and their importance to nature.

Insects perform important tasks in their habitats. The profiles explain what makes each species special and why even these small animals play an important role. Click directly on the insect profile that interests you. Whether you want to learn more about a certain species or simply look at the photos, this section offers different profiles and interesting views into the world of insects.

Yellow-Barred Long-Horn (Nemophora degeerella)

Yellow-Barred Long-Horn – A Shimmering Day-Flying Moth with Spectacular Antennae Yellow-barred long-horn (Nemophora degeerella): A delicate day-flying moth with strikingly long antennae – harmless, beautiful, and easy to…
European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa)

European Crane Fly – A Secretive Grassland Resident with a Big Appetite European crane fly (Tipula paludosa): How this inconspicuous meadow dweller lives, what makes it a lawn…
Striped bug (Graphosoma italicum)

Striped bug – recognising and understanding Graphosoma italicum Discover the striped bug: appearance, lifestyle, distribution, and tips for wildlife-friendly gardens. Harmless, striking, and fascinating. Key Facts Table of…
Yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium)

Yellow sac spider – a profile of a striking spider Yellow sac spider: profile, life cycle, distribution, and how to assess and interpret encounters with this striking spider.…
Bloodsucker (Cantharis cryptica)

Cantharis cryptica – The hidden yellow soldier beetle Cantharis cryptica is a rarely noticed yellow-orange soldier beetle with distinctive features. Learn how to distinguish it safely from C.…
Common green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata)

Common green bottle fly: Shiny, bothersome – and sometimes useful Lucilia sericata – a metallic gold-green blowfly with a double life: scavenger, disease carrier, and medical helper all…
Funnel web spider (Allagelena opulenta)

Funnel web spider Allagelena opulenta: Fast, shy, and completely harmless The East Asian funnel web spider Allagelena opulenta lives in gardens, meadows, and shrubs. Learn all about its…
Blue-striped nettle grub (Parasa lepida)

Blue-striped nettle grub: Tropical stinging danger How to identify and understand Parasa lepida: the green-yellow nettle grub from Asia with irritating spines, a wide host-plant range, and high…
Reverdin’s blue (Plebejus argyrognomon)

Reverdin’s blue: A blue butterfly of dry grasslands How to identify, observe, and protect Reverdin’s blue: all key facts about its appearance, habitat, flight season, and reproduction. Key…
Japanese giant mantis (Tenodera aridifolia)

Japanese Giant Mantis: The Patient Huntress of East Asia The Japanese giant mantis (Tenodera aridifolia) is the largest praying mantis species in Japan. Discover everything about its appearance,…