We spoke to a local expert about what little creatures you are likely to visit
With spring now here and the weather improving week by week, you are likely to see more insects and bugs.
Around the house and in the garden, butterflies, bumblebees, flies and spiders are playing an increasingly important role.
As temperatures rise, these insects are being rediscovered across the county, but recent rain and cold weather can cause them to show up a little later in the year.
We spoke to an insect expert at the University of Lincoln to learn more about what to expect as we approach summer and fly in the air.
Dr. Darron Cullen, a research fellow at the University of Lincoln School of Life Sciences, said, “Lincolnshire is on the coast, but it is very agricultural and the landscape is heavily managed. This means that insects can suffer.
“It would be great if people could do everything they could to keep some living space in their gardens.
“There’s also a trend towards simple gardens with artificial turf and plastic fences, but that means that insects don’t eat and have nowhere to bury themselves in. It’s terrible for wildlife.
“If the people in their garden can have boundaries that they don’t weed heavily, they will spot different wildlife.”
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Outside the home are certain nature reserves managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust where you may spot some of the insects listed below, including Fiskerton Fen, Kirkby Moor near Woodhall Spa, Swinn Wood in East Lindsey, and Candlesby Hill Quarry if you are looking for butterflies.
A Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust spokesman added, “Butterflies and insects are at their best on a calm, sunny day. Wind and rain don’t like insects.
“As summer approaches, look in cities and parks for a holly blue that flutters near a holly or ivy.
“In warm temperatures, look for tiny molehill-like structures on bare ground and ground with a small entrance hole. This is a sure sign of mining bees like the furry tawny mountain bee.
“If you take a closer look at the green of the trees, you can spot something that moves – a tortoise beetle. Be careful not to disturb them – they may project a sticky, smelly substance from their floor, giving them their common name, “Stinkbug”.
“If you are going to a wildlife sanctuary this weekend to look for insects, make sure to stick to the trails to avoid trampling wildflowers or disturbing ground-nesting birds.”
Lincolnshire Live has compiled pictures of insects that you are likely to see below soon.
