iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Our school workshops meet National Curriculum Key Stages 1 and 2 teaching programmes, covering many aspects such as rainforests, minibeasts, evolution, food chains, senses, variation, classification, lifecycles, habitats and adaptation. To find out more, visit bugsnstuff.com

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Field trip flashback to India 2019. On a remote hillside we found one of our target spiders - The stunning Salem Ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria formosa). You can download and watch this documentary by visiting lovetarantulas.com

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Always a treat to be back behind the scenes at ZSL London Zoo and meet their trio of Galápagos tortoises! They're the largest tortoises in the world and can live for over 150 years!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

We have 100+ Eyed hawk moth pupae!(Smerinthus ocellata). These will overwinter in the bugsnstuff HQ fridge and emerge as adult moths next spring!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

"Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop! Informative and interactive and pitched perfectly for our group. My personal favourite was the millipede. Would you be able to send a list of the bugs we saw, so our group can research them? We hope we can have you back very soon!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Fieldtrip flashback to 2018 to find and film the Giant São Tomé baboon spider! Full video on our YouTube channel. Richard from @cofnod.org.uk we need to go back to Africa!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today's batch of Eyed hawk moth (Smerinthus ocellata) ready to go! We've raised around 150 of these and when ready, the caterpillars start to wander looking for a place to pupate, burying themselves underground and overwintering until next spring.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

India 2019. We were searching for Poecilotheria regalis but we found Poecilotheria metallica! This discovery extended this tarantulas known range by 250km so they're not as endangered as first thought. You can download and watch this documentary by visiting lovetarantulas.com

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Bucket list beetle! Today's field trip flashback takes us back to India where we were lucky enough to find the amazing Domino beetle (Anthia sexguttata). Check out those impressive jaws! There's a longer video on our YouTube channel.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

A beautiful Puss moth (Cerura vinula) caterpillar so called after the cat-like appearance of the adult moth, this species is fairly common throughout most of the UK. If disturbed, it raises its head to show its 'face' and waves the twin tails, which have red extendable flagellae.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

New project! Did you know that male tarantulas use species specific patterns of vibrations and drumming during courtship? We're looking to loan adult male tarantulas to record and build a catalogue of these sound signatures using highly sensitive contact microphones. Can you help? Send us a message!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

“We had an exciting visitor to our Summer Club today! We were joined by bugsnstuff who brought various animals, insects and minibeasts to school. The children explored and learnt all about their features, habitats and adaptations with a hands-on experience. What a brilliant start to Nature Week!”

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Nice to see the Northern hairy wood ants (Formica lugubris) are thriving at Hamsterley Forest! Nests can have multiple queens and contain up to 70,000 workers!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Fieldtrip flashback! Suriname 2012 after finding the Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa sp.). Footage from this trip can be found in the lovetarantulas.com documentary "THERAPHOSA & EPHEBOPUS: Suriname's giant forest floor tarantulas." 📷 Michael Jacobi.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The first female Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellatus) has emerged! Check out those eye spots! A male emerged soon after so we're pleased to report that they've already paired so a second generation is underway of this stunning UK moth! #bugsnstuff #researchedinthewild #bringlessonsalive

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

New additions! Our colony of Trinidad bat-cave cockroaches (Eublaberus distanti) are finally mature! They grow to approximately 6.4 cm in length and are widespread throughout Central and Southern America.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

"Year 5 had a lovely morning with Guy from bugsnstuff. They saw a range of rainforest insects, arachnids, reptiles and amphibians. All of the children were very brave and enjoyed learning about the animals in action!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Ah, the skin bin. Everyone has one, right?

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

"Reception spent a fabulous morning with Guy from bugsnstuff who brought lots of amazing mega beasts to visit! Thank you so much Guy for a really amazing experience, the children loved it!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

"The Hub enjoyed a fantastic workshop today exploring creatures with a visit from Guy from bugsnstuff!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Target tarantula no. 6 for this Sri Lankan trip - the Yellow backed Ornamental (Poecilotheria smithi), named after Andrew Smith.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

We're raising a handful of Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellatus) caterpillars here at BNS HQ. Check out that vibrant green body and the blue-coloured spike at the rear!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

"A Bug Tastic Day to Remember in Early Years and Key Stage 1! Our pupils had an unforgettable hands on learning experience as we welcomed bugsnstuff into school for a series of exciting and educational workshops meeting some incredible “Mega” creatures!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

A closer look at the beautiful colouration of target tarantula no. 5 on this Sri Lankan trip - the stunning Highland Ornamental. Is this Poecilotheria subfusca or something else? Our new lovetarantulas.com documentary answers this question once and for all. www.kickstarter.com/projects/lov...

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Target tarantula no. 5 for this Sri Lankan trip - the stunning highland Ivory Ornamental (Poecilotheria subfusca) - or is it?

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

New addition! Cherry leg titan millipedes (Balustreptus falcatus)! A striking large species reaching up to 20cm+ in length.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

We were stopped and searched twice by Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation officers accompanied by the local Police. As we take nothing but photos, all went well. We commended them on a job well done and once we explained our project, they wanted selfies with us!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

"What an incredible day we’ve had celebrating the 100th birthday of the wonderful Sir David Attenborough! To make the celebrations extra special, we had an exciting visit from bugsnstuff. The children had the opportunity to meet a variety of fascinating creatures up close!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

You could say our recent pairing of Emperor moths (Saturnia pavonia) was a success! We'll raise these up a little more before release, adding to the local population.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

"This week, Year 5 enjoyed a visit from bugsnstuff and some awesome creatures. The visit supported their learning about rainforests and it was fascinating to see the animals up close and personal!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

One of our Giant vinegaroons (Mastigoproctus giganteus) is carrying eggs! The eggs are kept in a membranous sac attached to the female's body for several months before hatching.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Sri Lanka. A nice Wandering spider (Ctenidae). These free-roaming spiders don't spin a web to capture prey but actively hunt in the leaf litter using their good eyesight.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Monthly weigh-in for BEEF, one of our Smooth sided toads (Rhaebo guttatus).

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Sri Lanka. A nice sized whip scorpion or vinegaroon (Thelyphonus sepiaris). When threatened, they may discharge an offensive, vinegar-smelling liquid, which contains acetic acid!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

"Year 1 and 2 were such brave animal investigators this morning and met lots of minibeasts (although not so mini!) including Joanne the tarantula, a huge cockroach and even a snake! A huge thank you to Guy from bugsnstuff and well done everyone!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

"Early Years had a fantastic day today! We met Guy from bugsnstuff, who brought along his wonderful and interesting creatures to meet. We got to touch and handle some unique creatures such as a cockroach and millipede, and stroked a lizard, tarantula and snake!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Our Emperor moths (Saturnia pavonia) are starting to hatch! We raised a bunch of these last year and they've overwintered as pupae but now they are emerging with the warmer weather. This stunning female is now ready for release!

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The stunning Blossom Krait (Rhabdophis ceylonensis), a venomous snake endemic to Sri Lanka and classed as near threatened on the ICUN Red List. When threatened, it inflates its neck to expose the red skin between the dorsal scales.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Mass emergence of Heather beetles (Lochmaea suturalis) gathered on the walls of Derwent reservoir during high winds. While they are a natural part of the ecosystem, their populations occasionally explode causing devastating damage to heather moorlands.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

A small juvenile Fringed Ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria ornata) sitting outside its retreat in Sri Lanka. One of many found that day.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

"Year 5 bugsnstuff. Today we had an amazing visit from Guy to learn all about insects and reptiles from different parts of the world, from the rainforest to the desert. We were told so much information and facts about each animal before getting to hold and stroke a few!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

"Miss Shorts class have enjoyed a lovely day of BUGS! They enjoyed a visit from bugsnstuff and held some fabulous creatures!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

We got the call in the middle of the night - a local had found a large Poecilotheria vittata in their kitchen so we rushed to the scene. Footage can be seen in our upcoming Tiger Spiders of Sri Lanka doc that we're currently raising production funds for on Kickstarter. Visit lovetarantulas.com

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

"To launch Year 1’s Learning Enquiry, ‘What a Wonderful World‘ Guy from bugsnstuff visited school yesterday. He bought with him lots of different creatures and taught the children about mini-beasts, lifecycles, habitats and adaptation."

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Leeches! Constant companions in certain areas of Sri Lanka. This clip shows how much they expand once fed. Harmless and painless but certainly an inconvenience! (Haemadipsa zeylanica).

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the staff and children for the visit today! The children were so excited and really enjoyed their morning. They have been telling all the staff in school (especially at lunchtime) about the animals they met, and which was their favourite!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Sri Lanka. A decent sized Longhorn beetle (Prionomma atratum) attracted to our lights during a downpour.

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

"Reception had a ‘bugtastic’ morning with Guy from bugsnstuff! They met Joanne the Tarantula and Russell the Cockroach amongst many other megabeasts! Did you know, Tarantulas can have up to 2,000 babies at once?!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

"Our bugsnstuff visit was a huge hit - featuring a blue-tongued skink, Russell the cockroach and Joanne the tarantula! Inspiring curiosity, courage and a real love of science!"

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bugsnstuff @bugsnstuffcom.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Our Kickstarter page is now live! lovetarantulas is raising production funds for a new tarantula documentary: Andrew Smith’s POECILOTHERIA : Tiger Spiders of SRI LANKA. Visit lovetarantulas.com to find out more.

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