Perhaps I will take the alphabet as my lead this time and try to structure this update in alphabetical order.
Here goes then...
Is for.....Bugger! I don't have anything beginning with 'A'
Is for Barkfly...
There are currently 68 known species of barkfly in the UK, although they are much under-recorded and so this is likely to rise at anytime. You might think that with only 68 to chose from, I could readily identify this one? Wrong! Too many similar looking ones for this barkfly novice to pick from.
Is for Caterpillar...
This caterpillar was displaying behaviour I have never seen before. It seemed to be pulling at the surface of the leaf and extracting sap? Or...certainly there was some kind of translucent liquid involved, that it appeared to be covering itself with. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to observe it for more than a few minutes. Having had a look around the internet for an explanation, I am still no wiser.
Whilst we are on the letter 'C' I found a stem of dry grass that had a whole colony of emerging caterpillars...
Once again I can offer no ID for these tiny larvae. They were really small though, three of the eggs fitted into a 1mm length.
Is for Dead Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar...
This elephant hawk moth caterpillar was still firmly attached to the willowherb it had been feeding on, but had failed to reach pupation for some reason. When I spotted it, it was being 'up-cycled' by a female scorpion-fly.
Is for (live) Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar...
It has been a good year locally.
Is for a Fence-post Jumping Spider...
Marpissa muscosa |
I know I am probably going to regret this when I get to letter 'M' but here is the largest jumping spider we have in the UK.
Is for Groundhopper...
A Common Groundhopper (Tetrix undulata) |
At 8-11mm the Common Groundhopper is related to Grasshoppers, but is smaller and well armoured. These are to be found in drier places but also woodland rides, which is where this one was. I'm not sure but, possibly this is a female?
Is for Harvestman...
Leiobunum rotundum-A Havestman |
Nope!
Is for Lizard skin...
Is for.....erm...Damn! I knew I should have saved that spider. OK, give me a minute, I am determined to find something.
Here's a little musical interlude whilst I search...it's a banging toon!
(This won't show in the emailed version of my blog. You will need to view online)
Be honest..you skipped it didn't you? Your loss. I have my finger on the pulse of popular culture, especially the latest trends in music and you'll only have yourself to blame when this becomes 'Top of The Pops' and you still haven't heard it. Oh well...I tried...
Is for Mystery...
Is for Nothing to be seen here!
Is for Oh Please Quickly go to the letter 'R'...
I found this large robberfly sitting in the sunshine on a fence, as they like to do.
Is for Sawfly Larva...
Eriocampa ovata-An Alder Sawfly Larva |
Is also for Speckled Wood...
Pararge aegeria - A Speckled Wood Butterfly |
Is for Troilus luridus...
Troilus luridus - A Bronze Shieldbug |
Is for...U Very well know I don't have anything for these letters...
Is for Wasp...
Okay... Okay! It's not a wasp it is a bee. Be pedantic, I don't care!
Let me try that again?
Is for Woundwort Shieldbugs...
This year has been a really great year for these bugs in the garden. There are still plenty to be seen, and at most stages of growth too.
Is for...
Until the next time...
Its fun to wander through the alphabet with you...(link)