Stocky

posted in: Bees, Invertebrates, My garden, Worcestershire | 0

Of the seven species of leafcutter bee found in the UK, Willughby’s Leafcutter (Megachile willughbiella) is the most widespread, and probably the easiest to identify. Males are about 12mm long, with pale faces and the short, square abdomen that’s common … Continued

Garden Bumblebee

posted in: Bees, Invertebrates, My garden, Worcestershire | 0

Bombus hortorum is one of the most common bumblebees in the UK. It’s also one of the biggest, with queens coming in at close to 2cm in length, and males and workers at around 1.5cm. It’s commonly called the Garden … Continued

Ruby

I was all set to post something else today – a fresh male Large Skipper resting open-winged on the montbretia in the front garden was probably favourite, though there were a few other candidates too – when I spotted the … Continued

Mature

I was rattling around the garden this afternoon, trying to capture a few inverts on camera before R’s sister and brother-in-law arrived for a long-overdue visit, when I inadvertently scared this male Large Red Damselfly into flight. Luckily he just … Continued

Smiley face

Tired after yesterday’s surfeit of fun, I didn’t put in much effort today, and more or less pottered the day away. Because it was rather dark and cold I wasn’t expecting much insect activity either, so I was surprised when … Continued