An online poll has been launched to find UK's favourite insect by the Royal Society of Biology in its bid to emphasize the "vital" environmental role played by the more than 20,000 species found in the UK. It also wants to highlight the threats which the insects face from pesticide use, habitat destruction and climate change.

Experts at the Royal Society of Biology have shortlisted 10 insects, which include the small tortoiseshell butterfly, the emperor dragonfly and the stag beetle.

The seven-spot ladybird, garden tiger moth, the marmalade hoverfly, black garden ant, buff-tailed bumblebee, large bee-fly and green shield bug are also in the running for the title.