The seasons turn and Digger Alley fades once more into that dusty bit of path near the North Bushes. It's been such a manic time with all the different insects, I've been remiss in keeping up to date on here. So here's a bit of a roundup for your amusement
Large, angry looking Robber Flies have been a bit more visible than normal this year, preying on anything they can grab
and some other flies, the Satellite varieties (we call them Burrow-watchers) have also been stars this year, sneaking down the burrows of the residents looking to lay eggs. This one, Miltogramma germari, is rather cute!
Keep your eyes peeled in some of the videos as they've taken to video-bombing the bees and wasps
Beewolves have been bickering over burrow ownership
and regularly bringing back their Honeybee prey
Lots of people seem concerned about the impact on Honeybee numbers, but it's important to realise there's no problem with Honeybees (other than there being too many!). The bees that are suffering are the solitaries, along with all the Bumbles, they're the ones needing conservation. The Honeybee is the insect equivalent of a chicken - domesticated and useful, but not of conservation concern.
Sand wasps have been demonstrating their abilities well this year, with Podalonia showing us how it's done
A different Jewel wasp - the Golden Cuckoo wasp - showed up. She's the tiniest little thing, but beautiful to see
Little weevils sitting around are asking for trouble
There are Weevil Wolves hunting for them
The delightfully named Astata boops entertained us for quite some time, losing her burrow at one stage!
This little one put me in mind of a baby Astata - and it turns out that it was re-classified from Astata to its new home, Dryudella pinguis, only a few years ago. It hunts milkweed and shieldbug nymphs
Green Eyed Flower Bees have been top of everyone's wish-list - and they hung around for a long time this year, the weather seems to have helped all the insects with a longer period of flowers (ie food) being available
Also high on the visitor hit-list is the Pantaloon bee - this one with a sneaky little Burrow Watcher
The Red Thighed Epeolus bee proved very elusive for pics this year, but Mrs WJ managed one or two
We were also luck to be there on Flying Ant day, for something a little bit different
And finally, remember to wash your face and hands after grovelling on the ground with your camera