Insects are invertebrates, which means they have no internal skeleton. Instead they have an outer shell that contains the internal organs. They are distinguished from spiders and crustaceans by having six legs. During its lifetime an insect will go through a series of stages or metamorphoses. At each of these stages the insect changes its appearance quite dramatically. Already about a million species have been identified and more remain to be described. Almost 100,000 species of insects are found in Europe. 
Butterflies are the most obvious of insects and, probably with the exception of the “cabbage whites”, the most popular. They are seen during the day, mostly in the warmer months from spring through summer to autumn.
Many moths are nocturnal and usually seen when they come to a lighted window. There are however some day-flying species that are so colourful people think they are butterflies.
There are approximately 25 different species of Bumblebee in the UK, however only 7 of
them are likely to be found in your garden. These are:
• Common Carder Bumblebee
• White Tailed Bumblebee
• Red-tailed Bumblebee
• Garden Bumblebee
• Early Nesting Bumblebee
• Red-Shanked Carder Bee
• Buff tailed Bumblebee
See our information sheet for an explanation of their life cycle and behaviour.