European butterflies are arguably the best-studied group of invertebrates in the world. Uncovering cryptic biodiversity is essential for understanding evolutionary processes and patterns of ecosystem functioning, as well as for nature conservation.

When out and about I often hear comment from inexperienced observers on the difficulty in separating the Brown Argus, Aricia agestis (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from the ‘brown’ form of the female Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in both field and photographic situations.

Found solitary or in small groups on the fallen male catkins of the Common Alder, Alnus glutinosa or willows, Ciboria caucus is a widespread species though one that is easily overlooked due to its small size and wet habitat.

Although widespread, Encoelia furfuracea (Helotiales: Sclerotiniaceae) is generally regarded as an uncommon find in Britain.

The Common Stinkhorn, Phallus impudicus is the commonest of the British stinkhorns, with a smell that is typically detected long before the fungus is actually found.

Although their appearance might suggest that slime moulds are fungi, they are neither fungi nor moulds; though they often form spore-bearing structures that resemble those of true fungi.

Rarely seen in Britain, the Red Cage, Clathrus ruber is a striking and unforgettable species, which was first recorded in Britain from the Isle of Wight in 1844.

The funnel-shaped fruitbodies of Cyathus striatus are always a pleasure to find. However, although often clustered in large groups, they are easily overlooked because they are small and inconspicuous and because their habitat is typically dark, damp woodland.

The aptly named Devil’s Fingers, only rarely seen in southern Britain, is a striking species, which reached Europe from Australia or New Zealand at the start of World War I (1914). It was first recorded in Britain from Cornwall in 1946.

Despite its contemporary British vernacular name, the Small Heath is not confined to heathland and can be found in a wide range of habitats particularly those that are more open in structure, such as grassland, heathland, railway embankments, disused quarries, meadows and coastal dunes. It occurs only sparingly in woodland where it can be found in ones and twos along wide woodland rides.

The Green Long-horn, Adela reaumurella is a small day-flying micromoth belonging to the family Adelidae, the fairy longhorn moths.

The Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera is an attractive and perhaps one of our best known and well-loved orchids.

The beautiful Yellow-barred Long-horn, Nemophora degeerella is relatively common amongst woodland over much of England and Wales.