Latest observations of Invertebrates The term "Invertebrates" covers a very broad group, including insects, worms, molluscs, arachnids, and many others, that tends to get lumped together under the heading 'bugs' or 'mini-beasts'. The vast majority of all animal species are invertebrates, and estimates of the number of species in the UK range up to 30,000 or more.
Within this huge number of species there are animals that specialise in almost every conceivable habitat, and their life-cycles are correspondingly varied.
More information
We will be providing additional information on the individual groups of invertebrates, but for now the list of links below just gives some examples for the major groups.
Photography for identification
The characters needed for identification vary between the different groups, so the general advice is to try and get shots from various angles, including close-ups and more distant habitat shots for context. Size matters! If there is nothing in your photo to give a sense of scale you should measure or estimate the size and keep a note of that.
Useful links
bees, wasps and ants
beetles
butterflies and moths
dragonflies and damselflies
flies
grasshoppers and crickets
true bugs
other insects
other invertebrates
There are local invertebrate groups in many counties, to find out about yours try contacting your local Environmental Records Centre or Wildlife Trust . See also Nature Societies Online from the Natural History Museum.
Marine invertebrates
Marine invertebrates are recorded as part of the MarLIN project, which has online identification resources and recording forms.
The Marine Biological Association promotes research into marine life, publishes a range of journals and other resources, and runs events and courses.
Seasearch works with volunteer divers to record marine habitats, as well as running projects on particular species.The Marine Conservation Society promotes the conservation of marine habitats and species.
