Bees, wasps and ants

Hymenoptera are the "membrane-winged" insects, one of the most diverse groups of animals. Their largest family, Ichneumonidae, includes more species than those of all birds and mammals combined. There are more than 6,500 species in Britain, comprising almost 30% of the total insect fauna.

Many species have developed social systems in which members are divided into workers, drones and queens. These social hymenoptera may live together in nests or hives of many thousands of individuals. But not all species are social; many live a solitary life, coming together only for a brief mating. Hymenoptera are invaluable for their services in pollination and pest control.

Some important Hymenoptera species or groups include:

• wood ants 
• bumblebees 
• mason bees 
• northern colletes bee 
• wasps