Butterfly attraction puts spotlight on beetles

Flower beetles can be found in a variety of colours and sizes

A butterfly tourist attraction is putting the spotlight on beetles this summer with a series of talks.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm in Warwickshire said staff from The Insect Farm would be showing beetles at each stage of their life cycle and answering visitors' questions.

Jane Kendrick, of the centre in Swan's Nest Lane, said it was "an ideal opportunity for visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures and why we should be protecting them".

The talks are to take place in the Discovery zone at 11:00 BST on 20 and 25 July and 3, 7 and 28 August. Admission prices can be found on the attraction's website.

A beetle expert is expected to give talks at the butterfly attraction

Staff at the Butterfly Farm, which provides an exotic environment for hundreds of butterflies, said beetles were in fact the largest group of insects, with more than 300,000 known species.

"Beetles are such a large, diverse group that eat nearly every kind of food," said a spokesperson, adding that 4,000 beetle species can be found in Britain."

The farm is also asking visitors to make a "green promise" this summer by doing something positive at home, school or work to help protect nature.