The weather has – quite literally – blown hot and cold this summer. Dry one week, sodden the next, it has been good news for insects, which enjoy the fluctuating weather patterns. The bulletin of the Royal Entomolgical Society has reported on a big upturn in numbers. "People assume insects only like hot weather," says entomologist Richard Jones. "But they also need the rain to keep nectar levels high, and stop their bodies drying out." Here are a few of the insects that are enjoying themselves the most:

Wasps

Wasps, like many insects, can't control their breathing very easily, and so their bodies can quickly become desiccated in warm weather. The rain has put a stop to this.

Bumblebees and hoverflies

During hot periods, plants wither and their nectar – which is mostly water – dries up. But regular rain has kept nectar levels high, which in turn benefits bees and hoverflies.

Red admirals

These migrant butterflies commute to the UK every summer from Europe. This year, perhaps due to the weather, they are out in greater force than usual.

Small tortoiseshell butterflies

Once a common sight in Britain, these butterflies have suffered a huge decline – due, perhaps, to a parasitic fly from Europe. But this year, says Jones, marks something of a renaissance.