Autumnal
The weather and my mood were both a bit autumnal today, and in keeping with that I found a number of Shieldbug nymphs and Opiliones around the garden, but very little else. This Green Shieldbug nymph was nestling in a … Continued
Leafcutter
My identification app says that this is Megachile willughbiella, but I don’t think it is. Far be it from me, etc., etc., but I think I can reasonably claim to know a M. willughbiella when I see one, because I … Continued
Successful
I’m beginning to lose count now, but just based on the number of exuviae I’ve collected, this is at least the tenth successful Southern Hawker emergence this season from our little wildlife pond. That said, for a while I thought … Continued
Relationship
As far as I know, invertebrates don’t go in for existential philosophising, but I can’t help but feel that it must be a little strange to be in a relationship, albeit temporary, with your former skeleton. Though to be fair, … Continued
Red-tailed male
A couple of months ago I posted a male Early Bumblebee, and talked about the only two UK bees with which he might potentially be confused. Of these, I’ve never seen a Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola), and certainly wouldn’t expect … Continued
Orthoptera season
Once again we’ve reached the time of year when I go into the meadow along the lane, fold myself double like a bent playing card, and start pleading with crickets and grasshoppers to be my friend. Most of them treat … Continued