The third annual Name a species competition is now underway, with the aim of finding a common name for 10 amazing but little-known British species. A host of seemingly forgotten species exist in Britain and many are disappearing fast. Known to just a few scientists and identified only by scientific names, they lack the common touch and their decline risks going unnoticed as a result.
Among the species in this year’s naming competition are a bee-mimicking hoverfly and a spider-stalking bee, known as Apis unicolor
The competition is run by Natural England and the Guardian.
The judges are: Dr Peter Brotherton (Natural England), Dr Keith Hiscock (Marine Biological Association), Matt Shardlow (Buglife) and George Monbiot. They will award a winner and one runner-up for each species, and one overall winner. Winners will be contacted by Natural England, their names will be published in the Guardian and they will receive a signed certificate featuring an illustration of the species with its new name.
Find out more on the Natural England or Guardian websites.