With birds still ever so slightly on the back burner, it is stil the insects that hold sway in the attention stakes on the reserve (at least for the likes of me!) and there is still a huge wealth of different species to encounter of the coming weeks.
Imposing Emperor dragonflies are laying eggs and the first Migrant Hawkers will be on the wing within days along with the main flush of Darters.
Mrs Empress ovipositing (Michael Leary-Ohwin)
Sticking with the Emperor theme, Jerry found a fat and succulent Emp Moth cat as it 'Heimliched' across the path on its way to pupate. Amazingly sticky feet and strong forelegs!
Undulating Emp (HTV)
While Mazzi Smith found this even better Privet Hawk Moth cat in the Cordite with the same pupating mission on its mind... What a beast!
The dark colouration is an indicator that the time for change is upon it.... (Mazzi Smith)
Elsewhere a couple of Jersey Tigers have been seen and in the wonderful world of flies some quality Hoverating has produced some new species for the season and several more showy Volucella zonaria and inanis. These are the Hornet mimics and they do a good job!
Jersey Tiger (HTV)
Volucella inanis (HTV)
Volucella zonaria (Lawrence Rogers)
Xylota sylvarum (Lee Spence)
Last but no least lets end of a groovy looking Canopid fly called Sicus ferrugineus that is a parasite of various bumblebees...
The abdomen is always curiously curved unerneath making them look like they have been slightly squished! (Lawrence Rogers)
Down in the ditches the Marsh Frogs have been very vocal on the warm days and there are plenty of large tadpole/froglets loafing on the surface and of course the Grass Snakes are now a little more obvious as their favourite summer prey is now readily available.
A cracker of a shot to end the post from Michael Leary-Ohwin.....
6-8-15