Having seen only one in 2025 it is lovely to have a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly year again. This one photographed a week or so ago in the garden.
Terry & Judy Wood
The handsome wasp mimicking Figwort Sawflies (Tenthredo scrophulariae) are, not surprisingly, around the Figwort plants again. Also 2 species of Figwort Weevils on the photo'd plant. A must have native for the wildlife friendly garden.🐝🐘🌿
Pleased to see the jewel beetles, Agrilus cyanescens, back in their usual spot in the garden - on and around the winter honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima with 2 seen on the 4th.
One of 2 or 3 male Sharp-tail bees (Coelioxys species - probably C. inermis or C. elongata) taking a break from feeding and searching for females (which don't appear to have appeared yet). Yesterday in the garden. @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social
Found on the frame of our back door yesterday - a hopper, Issus coleoptratus. New to us and not many records in Northants. Apparently, Issus nymphs have toothed mechanical gears to synchronise jumping - only known use of functional gears found in nature! @britishbugs.bsky.social
The 3mm long Meadow Cranesbill Weevil - Zacladus geranii. A number of these present every year on our hardy geraniums in the garden. Great characters! 🐘
Found yesterday loitering with intent, this assassin bug, Reduvius personatus, also known as the Masked Hunter. @rockwolf74.bsky.social @britishbugs.bsky.social
Managed to photo an immature Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva) in the garden yesterday and don't recall seeing one with such heavily blotched wingtips. Rather smart. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social
One of the varied forms of native Iris foetidissima growing in our Northants garden. The bees love them and the birds enjoy the fruits in the winter. #WildflowerHour
The Fork-tailed Flower Bees (Anthophora furcata)are back and as manic as ever! They are even harder to photo than Hairy-footed! The males don't like a rival and 2 had a dispute with a Dock Weevil having to keep its head down! @caroline-byrne.bsky.social @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social
