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Every summer more and more jellyfish are being washed up onto the shorelines around Wales.

During Springwatch 2009, Simon King's team sought out jellyfish swarms but weren't lucky enough to find any during their two week stint on Anglesey.

The only location which did have some was Bardsey Island, where there was an abundance of moon jellyfish around the landing slipway.

Little is known about jellyfish off the coast of Wales but rising sea temperatures are definitely having an effect on their numbers and migratory patterns, which in turn effects the turtle population which feeds on them.

The main species of jellyfish you're likely to encounter on Welsh beaches are: the lion's mane, compass, barrel or root mouth, blue, moon, by-the-wind-sailor, portuguese man-o-war and mauve stinger jellyfish.

Lions Mane

Fairly common and large - often growing to 'dustbin lid' sized proportions and reaching up to 2m in diameter.

They are umbrella shaped and reddish brown in colour with long thin tentacles which can reach up to 30ft in length and produce a sting if touched.

Moon Jellyfish

These are very easy to spot and wash up regularly on most beaches in Wales. They're umbrella shaped and around 40 cm in diameter.

The main body is translucent in colour with four pinky/purple spots on the top which are actually the creatures gonad rings.

Their stings are like minute harpoons fired by springs and are not powerful enough to pierce our thick skin.

Compass Jellyfish

These are smaller than moon jellyfish, roughly the diameter of a ruler - 30cm or smaller and are very distinct in colour.

The bell shaped body is covered with brownish 'v' shaped markings which radiate out, from a brown spot located in the centre of the body.

They have a variety of tentacles underneath - 32 marginal lobes, 24 long thin tentacles and 4 long thick frilled arms hanging down, all of which will sting if touched.

Blue Jellyfish

These are similar in size to the compass jellyfish and also bell shaped but have a purplish/blue tinge to them.

If you look closely, you'll be able to see through the body and notice darker radial lines inside. Like other jellyfish, they will sting but it is very mild.

If you find a jellyfish washed up on the beach then it is probably dead but be warned, they can still give you a sting if handled, so leave well alone.