Bugs Count – join in our nationwide bug hunt

The best time to do this survey is from May to November.

Help us investigate how the built environment affects invertebrates

Do you know what bugs are living near you? Take part in Bugs Count and discover the incredible variety of invertebrates that make their home around us.

Find as many bugs as you can in our timed challenges and keep a special eye out for the six Species Quest bugs.

Your findings will help scientists learn more about the distribution of invertebrates across the country and how the urban environment may be affecting them.

Crawlies aren't creepy!

Bugs, or invertebrates, are a vital part of our environment. They can pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, and they provide an important food source for birds and mammals.

Bugs counted so far

How to take part

Step 1 - Download and print the documents below in colour.

Step 2 - Find a suitable area and start looking for bugs!

Step 3 - Tell us what you find using our simple online form.

Did you know?

Despite their names, Glow Worms (Lampyris noctiluca) are actually beetles. Only the flightless females can glow - to attract the flying males.

Ready to enter your results online?

Enter your Bugs Count survey results

Just want to submit a Species Quest sighting?
Use the form below to tell us about a Species Quest bug you've spotted outside the survey. Please include a photo if you can.

Just submit a Species Quest sighting

Download the Bugs Count app

Browse ID tips, photos, facts, and submit your Species Quest observations direct from your mobile phone.

OPAL Bugs Count app

Problems entering your results online?
Send your results to: FREEPOST RSCH-CHYJ-HYYC, OPAL, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ.

Downloads - what you need to get involved

Field notebook: Instructions and recording sheet	Pocket ID guide: Illustrated cards to help you identify the bugs you find	Species Quest: Can you find one of these six species?
Field notebook (PDF, 5.8MB)	Pocket ID guide (PDF, 2.8MB)	Species Quest (PDF, 1.4MB)
	Alternative Pocket ID Guide (PDF) - Prints on fewer pages