Battered Wings but still flying

[Geoff F]

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly which has seen better days; but still flying although the fine control seems to be getting difficult.





A few other recent insects. This hoverfly caused me a bit of thought; but I have seen them before so I was able to confirm the identity after double checking with the book.



This isn't a wasp and I can't find any previous records from this area.



Here is a 'Tortoise'.

[John 2]

Well captured series Geoff. Sometimes the damage can be quite considerable and it surprises me how well they compensate.

[Shadowman]

Nicely seen and captured.

[Ziggy]

Well done series Geoff. Lot of little ones with wings start looking a little rough this time of year in the US.

[JBW]

butterflies always amaze me with their strength

[Wavelength]

Excellent set of images

[Geoff F]

Thanks for the comments.

Just to give an update on these. The hoverfly is Melangyna compositarum/labiatarum, very difficult to separate those two virtually identical species.

The wasp like sawfly is Tenthredo amoena.

The 'tortoise' is a Tortoise Bug - Eurygaster testudinaria.