Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre

Help with Species ID

Many different species of animals and plants have been recorded in Kent, and most people can probably identify a few common species.
Hummingbird Hawkmoth SketchHere is an example of a sketch sent in (along with a descriptive note) by A.F. McManus from Maidstone. This was identified as a Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
However, the identification of many species remains the domain of the expert naturalist. With the aid of many of the county's experts, the Records Centre staff will be happy to assist you in the identification of any species you find.

You can contact us by e-mail, phone, fax or post and describe what you have seen.

Remember, the more detailed the description, the greater the chance of an accurate identification.

When describing your sightings, please consider the following (if appropriate):
  • Does it look like any species you know?
  • What size is it? (measure it, or compare it to an everyday object of the same size)
  • What colouring does it have?
  • What time of day did you see it?
  • What was it feeding on?
  • What was its behaviour?
  • What sort of habitat was it in?
  • Where did you see the specimen? (please give a six-figure grid reference, a post-code, or at least a detailed description)
It is often said that a picture paints a thousand words, and if you have been lucky enough to take a picture of the subject, then you can post or e-mail us a copy to aid identification.
Hummingbird Hawkmoth Sketch This is an example of a photograph sent to us by M. Gedge from Sidcup. This was identified as an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar (Deilephila elpenor).
A simple sketch or drawing of the species can also be a very effective aid to its identification and the inclusion of a detailed description of its behaviour will also be beneficial.

Some specimens will survive the post, and can be sent to us at KMBRC. In the past, we have received dead insects and dried plants!

Record of the Month

Each month we will be selecting the most interesting and topical images, specimens and descriptions we have received to be published on the website. All published images will be credited to the artist / photographer, so good luck, and we look forward to receiving your images.

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