Species 52 - Small Dusty Wave

Easy pickings today with this moth appearing inside the house. The only challenge was one of identification as it is a little non-descript. I'd like to get a few more moths but without a trap I'm a bit limited. Lots of Small Magpie, a previous post, in the garden this evening.


Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata)















Scores (how the 52 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 6
Moths - 3
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 7
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 9
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3
True bugs - 1

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 51 - Drone Fly

I just can't keep away from these Hoverflies, yet another cracker. A bee mimic this time.


Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)




















Scores (how the 51 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 7
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 9
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3
True bugs - 1

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 50 - Eupeodes corollae

Probably the worst photo I've posted. I had a good pic of a capsid (1 of 3 sp. on the same plant) but I can't identify any of them. Very frustrating! But as this is my 50th species maybe it's appropriate that it's from my favourite group. It's not identifiable from this photo as Eupeodes corollae, but based on overhead views I think it is.

Eupeodes corollae
















Scores (how the 50 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 6
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 9
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3
True bugs - 1

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 49 - Athous haemorrhoidalis

Found this click beetle on a dahlia leaf. I'm not 100% sure it is this species as there are many that look very similar to this one, it could be A. haemorrhoidalis. However this is stated as being the commonest species, indeed it is regarded as a pest, so I'm going with this for now. This leads me to a confession. I've realised that one of my earlier posts was incorrect, species 43, it turns out was not White Horehound, but black Horehound. This is now clear as the purple flowers have appeared. I correct the post. Lots of other interesting species today, but had trouble identifying them all.


Athous haemorrhoidalis























Scores (how the 49 species so far break down by group)


Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 9
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3T
rue bugs - 1


GWP - copyright GWP

Species 48 - Liocoris tripustulatus

Not exactly the best photo ever, but the best I could manage of this bug species, if I get a better one I'll replace it. This was one of 4 species of hemiptera, the so called true bugs, I found today. Although this was the only one I could idenitfy, and only then after extensive internet searching. The guide books I have a very limited in this group. This species is reported to favour nettles, and yes that's a nettle it's sitting on.


Liocoris tripustulatus





















Scores (how the 47 species so far break down by group)
Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 8
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3
True bugs - 1

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 47 - Nephrotoma quadrifaria

Before today I thought there was only one type of crane fly (aka daddy long legs). Turns out I was wrong. This rather nice looking insect was on the fence late this afternoon. I think it's fairly common but not as common as Nephrotoma appendiculata, the Spotted Crane fly, which is very similar to this one but lacks the dark smudges on the wings.






















Scores (how the 47 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 3
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 8
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3


GWP - copyright GWP

Species 46 - Bombus terrestris

This species can be difficult to split from Bombus lucorum, but given the slight yellow of the tail I think this is terrestris. It was overcast and dull so this was actually taken using a flash, not bad really.

Bombus terrestris

















Scores (how the 46 species so far break down by group)


Bees - 6
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 8
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 45 - Common swift

So this was always going to be a difficult species to capture well and whilst this photo is never going to win any prizes it does illustrate the amazing shape of these birds. Perfectly adapted for a life in the air. The only time they touch down is to breed, they even sleep on the wing. It's thought that when a young bird levaes the nest they may fly continously for 3 or 4 years before they reach maturity and build a nest.


Common Swift (Apus apus)




















Scores (how the 45 species so far break down by group)



Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 8
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 3

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 44 - Pterostichus madidus

There are several of these quite large beetles near our little greenhouse, which contains a tub of strawberries, which according to my book is this beetle's favourite dish. Oh well, plenty to go around and it's an impressive creature.

Pterostichus madidus






















Scores (how the 44 species so far break down by group)


Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 8
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 43 - Black Horehound

A plant today, windy and overcast so took the easy photographic route. It took me while to identify this though as none of it's flowers have developed properly, the green bits are the sepals, the actual flower is buried down inside. Not sure if this is normal, the book says only a few flowers appear at a time, but on this one, translate that to no flowers at all. This species is the basis of various herbal remedies. All I can say is I'm glad I don't have to take the medicine because the plant itself smells rank when you crush the leaves.


Black Horehound















Scores (how the 43 species so far break down by group)


Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 11
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 7
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 42 - 7 Spot Ladybird

My 3rd Beetle on the trot and probably regarded as one of the commonest, but I'm not sure that's really the case, at least not down our way. The good news is shortly after I took this photo I saw it feasting on the blackfly on my dahlias :-)


7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-puntata)

















Scores (how the 42 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 10
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 7
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 41 - Swollen Thighed Beetle

The second I saw this beetle I knew this was the one for today. However it took me a long time until I worked out the species and that's because at first I was looking at a female, which doesn't have the swollen thighs. I subsequently spotted the male, which does. This one is feeding on pollen, just as they are described to do. I'm starting to get impressed by the amount of diversity that can be found even in a small urban garden such as ours. I should start to take bets on the total number I will eventually reach.


Swollen-thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis)























Scores (how the 41 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 10
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 6
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2


GWP - copyright GWP

Species 40 - 22 spot Ladybird

This was a really good find, and depite 2 new hoverflies being seen this one immediately got the vote as even though my book says it's common I'm sure I've not seen it before. They feed on mildew apparently. That being the case I hope this one heads over to my strawberries... When seen it was on the leaf of a broad leaved dock (which will need to be posted fairly soon, also).

22 Spotted Ladybird (Psyllobora 22-puncatata)



















Scores (how the 40 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 10
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 5
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 39 - Small Magpie

Only my second moth, reflecting an overall bad moth year, I think. In fact I haven't had a macro moth yet, as this is actually a micro moth and the other species was a plume. Either way this is a nice insect, which I found when I disturbed some vegetation near the pond. I also had a new species of hoverfly this evening, which would have got the selected, but the photo was very poor. I hope I come across it again.

Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata)














Scores (how the 39 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 2
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 10
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP - copyright GWP

Species 38 - Creeping Buttercup

Rainy conditions prevented any serious photography today so I had to go for another plant. This is another plant which is regarded as a troublesome weed, and yet is actually very attractive both visually and to insects. The weather is forecast to getmuch warmer again over the weekend, which should improve prospects.

Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
















Scores (how the 38 species so far break down by group)
Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 10
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP (copyright GWP)

Species 37 - White Clover

Often regarded as an invasive weed, not by me though. White clover is very good for any polinating insects so the patches on our lawn are left to prosper. Very little time tonight so had to go for an easy win, i.e a plant, not a great photo either. I'm still making good progress on the challange, just 2 more weeks should see me thorugh 50 species - not bad, all considered.


White Clover (trifolium repens)






















Scores (how the 36 species so far break down by group)
Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 9
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP (Copyright GWP)

Species 36 - Syrphus ribesii

Is there a species of hoverfly that isn't the business? This one is another real cracker. I've seen it several times before, but this was the first chance I had to get a decent shot. At the same time I also had a Painted Lady, I did get a photo but it wasn't great so decided to go with this one. If I don't see another Painted Lady i may regret that decision.

Syrphus ribesii






















Scores (how the 36 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 5
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2


GWP (copyright of GWP)

Species 35 - Red Admiral

Not a great photo today, but the only one I managed to get of this butterfly. I've seen a few of this species this year but this was the first that settled for more than a second.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

















Scores (how the 35 species so far break down by group)

Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 4
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 3
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP

Species 34 - Volucella bombylans

This is another really nice hoverfly, clearly a bumblebee mimic and the only hoverfly to have a hairy body. It ossurs in several different colour forms, corresponding to the various species of bumblebee. The larvae of this species live in wasp nests living as scavengers.

Volucella bombylans




















Scores


Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 4
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2


GWP. Copyright GWP

Species - 33 Red Mason Bee

Our little Red Mason Bee nest is rapidly filling up with Red Mason Bees. Pretty soon all the tubes will be full, as they were last year. In the first year we had the nest only a couple of tubes were occupied but it's filled up. This is one just emerging from it's tube.

Red Mason Bee (Osmia rufa)




















Scores

Bees - 5
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 3
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP

Species 32 - Bombus vestalis

A bumble bee yes, but a very interesting one. This is a member of a group of bumble bees called the Cuckoo Bees, so named, you guessed it, because of the fact that they don't make a nest and rise their own young, but instead lay their eggs in the nest of another species and rely on those hard working bees to bring up their young. A case of convergent evolution if ever I saw one
























Scores

Bees - 4
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 3
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP

Species 31 - Rose-ringed Parakeet

Another bird today and although this one's easier to photograph than a Wren they don't visit our garden very often. So when this one was on the feeder at breakfast this morning I knew my post for today was already secured. They are, of course, derived from escapees and are increasingly common in the South East of England. Down here in Kent has also long been when of their strongholds.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)




Scores

Bumblebees - 2
Other bees - 1
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 2
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 2

GWP

Species 30 - Wren

My first species of bird, one that I've never managed to photo before and today it was only because it was a one of a number of juveniles that were in the garden when I arrived home. I had thought that we had wren's nest hidden behind the shed and this would suggest that that may have been the case. I've seen juveniles from several other species so it looks like we may have had a good year, even if delayed by the cold weather.


Wren (Troglotdytes troglodytes)

















Scores after the first 30:

Bumblebees - 2
Other bees - 1
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 2
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1
Birds - 1

GWP

Species - 29 Episyrphus balteatus

Another cracking hoverfly, a smaller species this time and very common. It sometimes migrates to the UK in large numbers. This one has a slightly damaged wing, which is interesting. Although I say it myself, this is a good photo and shows how good the camera set up can be in bright conditions, allowing narrow apertures and good DOF.

Episyrphus balteatus















Scores

Bumblebees - 2
Other bees - 1
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 2
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1

GWP

Copyright of GWP

Species - 28 Azure Damselfly

Great weather today and the insect life duly obliged. I was spoilt for choice with at least 3 new hoverflies being seen and a new beetle. However when this Damselfly appeared briefly on the pond then I knew this would be the one for today. This is a common species which occurs by still waters throughout the UK.

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)





















Bumblebees - 2
Other bees - 1
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 2
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2
Dragonflies - 1

GWP

Species 27 - Green-veined white

At first I thought this was a Large White, but on reviewing the photos I realised I'd been mistaken and it was a Green-veined. Still, a very common species also.


Green-veined White (Pieris napi)





















Scores

Bumblebees - 2
Other bees - 1
Moths - 1
Amphibians - 1
Plants - 8
OtherFlies - 2
Hoverflies - 2
Molluscs - 1
Beetles - 4
Spiders -1
Centipedes - 1
Wasps - 1
Butterflies - 2

GWP