With Minsmere now open again (albeit with limited facilities and the odd one-way system - hey, don't knock it, the toilets are open at least!), Mrs WJ and I decided it was time for our first stroll around in nearly three months. Everything's lush (redbeds) or parched (heathland) compared to the last time we visited, but one thing's for certain, the insects are loving the weather. So much so, that Digger Alley is open for business even earlier than usual. Early Beewolves are snatching Honeybees already, stocking their burrows
The boys too are keen to show off - the male Beewolves have a pheromone based lek, just across the path this year from their normal location. Handily placed for a bench to sit on
Mysterious wigglies wiggle around
together with Peacock caterpillars
False Oil Beetles
and the wonderful Green Eyed Flower Bees were enjoying the bramble flowers
Lots of Dragons around, especially these 4 Spot Chasers
But it's always the wasps we enjoy watching the most - the little Ornate Tailed taking what I think is a Blood Bee (a first for us)
Nothing compares to the Sand Wasps for determination though - that's a huge, juicy caterpillar she's got there!
Unknown said:Must be good to get back on your favourite reserve after all this time
It's definitely good to be back, especially in time for all the insect life. Though some insects weren't so welcome - we found one shady area that harboured gigantic mozzies that savagely attacked us. Must not scratch, must not scratch.....