What does it look like? The caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions. If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council. Why is it dangerous? The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real pest. They were … More Hairy caterpillars (Oak processionary moth)
What does it look like? False widow spider False widow spider: They grow to 2 centimetres across and are a dark brown colour with a bulbous abdomen. This spider has a well-deserved reputation as Britains most dangerous spider, although there are no reported deaths and bites are quite rare. Adult female false widow spiders are known to … More Biting spiders
What does it look like? Why is it dangerous? Female horseflies have sharp cutting parts which can saw through even the skin of an ox, and then drink the blood from their wound. Only the females bite, as they need protein to produce their eggs: the males feed only from plants. The photograph above of … More Horseflies
What does it look like? Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders). They have eight legs, and look like spiders with unusually large bodies. Ticks have four stages in their lifecycle. As a human, you would be more likely to be bitten by a nymph tick. They are tiny black or brown specs the size of … More Ticks
What do they look like? Wasps Hornets Bees Why are they dangerous? For most people, bee, wasp and hornet stings are very painful but not seriously dangerous. Serious allergic reactions can also occasionally occur, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. A wasp or hornet sting causes a sudden, sharp pain at first. … More Bees, Wasps and Hornets
Enjoy the British Countryside 