Post your insects

[Geoff F]

Seri. Green Lacewings should be about during the day but they seem to be rather localised.

I hadn't seen any here previously but have found 3 recently without specifically looking for them. In each case, they were feeding on white Umbellifer flowers (I didn't note which species) on the edge of farmland.

Mike's shieldbug reminds me of a boating blazer worn by Edwardian gentlemen. But I can't find an identification from my UK sources. This site has a lot of information http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/galler...atomoidea.html

His 'bee' does seem a big bright for Volucella zonaria but on the Hoverfly Recording Scheme site I was recently confused by a similar looking specimen which turned out to be a newly emerged V. zonaria; hence the extra brightness. So I would suspect that your suggestion is correct.

ps. We are certainly seeing some excellent images of a wide range of species in this thread.

[Seriche]

Seri. Green Lacewings should be about during the day but they seem to be rather localised.

Thanks. I thought they were nocturnal/crepuscular. I'll check with the local entomology expert to see if we've got many over here.

I hadn't seen any here previously but have found 3 recently without specifically looking for them. In each case, they were feeding on white Umbellifer flowers (I didn't note which species) on the edge of farmland

That's useful. I have a couple of wild umbellifers in my garden so must look more closely. Plenty of farmland about near my home

Mike's shieldbug reminds me of a boating blazer worn by Edwardian gentlemen. But I can't find an identification from my UK sources. This site has a lot of information http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/galler...atomoidea.html

It is a really striking creature indeed, and you're so right about the blazer

I couldn't find it either, but do have a friend who has never failed to answer any scientific question I've ever asked him. He's a retired entomologist, so if Mike's sources bring no joy, I'll get in touch with him. I only ever use him when I can't find an answer elsewhere.

I agree about the link. It's a great site for ID. It's funny you should mention it because only a couple of days ago Mr Bantock came through with the answer to a bug question that had been troubling me for years. He's a very patient and kind man

His 'bee' does seem a big bright for Volucella zonaria but on the Hoverfly Recording Scheme site I was recently confused by a similar looking specimen which turned out to be a newly emerged V. zonaria; hence the extra brightness. So I would suspect that your suggestion is correct.

That's a relief! As you know, it's often impossible to do accurate ID's from photos, but I do love trying if it's a distinctive species. I shall rely on you to keep an eye on me and correct me if I'm wrong

ps. We are certainly seeing some excellent images of a wide range of species in this thread.

I'm really glad Peter started it. It's great to have so many wonderful images of 'bugs' in one place

This forum is so interesting that it's been keeping me up past my bedtime, but the light is fading and I fear I'll crumble to dust if I don't close my eyes before sundown

Night, night,

Seri

[Dons]

Painted Grasshawk dragonfly (Neurothemis stigmatizans). The red is the male; the yellow is the female.
These were taken with an 18-200mm lens and cropped (macro lens is on my wishlist).

Hi Trace, the 2nd picture is awesome.. It looks like that he's on some warp speed...

[Dons]

Hello Donny You've been posting some fabulous images here. Those bee shots are my favourites. You have an enviable quality of light in your part of the world to be able to catch those bees in flight so well without a flash. And that 300mm works so well (I've only ever used a 105, and now, a 100mm).

You've developed a very distinct style of your own, and those bees really are superb!

Seri

Thanx Seri, I don't have any style... I just shot what I think is good... And I'm happy if someone likes my pictures...

[Seriche]

Thanx Seri, I don't have any style... I just shot what I think is good... And I'm happy if someone likes my pictures...

Of course you have a style, and one that's yours alone A particular style can be copied, but a unique style can't be forced or consciously created. It's something that's inside each of us, and emerges naturally as we practice and learn techniques. We don't even notice it happening sometimes, but other people do

Seri

[Geoff F]

Plenty of butterflies but have we had a moth yet?

Well here is an Emerald Moth - Hemithea aestivaria.



Against that particular background it is visible but they are well hidden when they pick a paler coloured resting place.

[Dons]

Is this a moth??

[ktuli]

Donny,

My guess would be for butterfly...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differe...lies_and_moths

I went mostly on the slender antennae with club-like tips, and the wings folded over the back while resting.

- Bill

[Dons]

Donny,

My guess would be for butterfly...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differe...lies_and_moths

I went mostly on the slender antennae with club-like tips, and the wings folded over the back while resting.

- Bill

Thanx Bill..

[Geoff F]

It is one of the 'Skipper' Butterflies, Donny. Hesperiidae family.

But I can't really go any further as they are a 'tricky bunch' and that angle doesn't show enough details of the crucial areas.

[Kris V]

The next day I found the remains....

I was sitting in this chair when this thing landed - I've never run so fast, and I made my husband take this picture!

[Kris V]

One more - it'a about the size of my thumb nail

[Topchi]

these are maiden attempts as i am trying my hand almost in anything..

[Topchi]

[Geoff F]

This odd looking fly goes under the name of Sicus ferrugineus and is one of the 'Thick Headed Flies'

The larvae develop as parasites in bumble bee nests.

[Dons]

Another beezzzz....

[Frankie]

The next day I found the remains....

I was sitting in this chair when this thing landed - I've never run so fast, and I made my husband take this picture!

Kris, that is a beautiful shot of the Luna moth.
Just to ease your mind a little... the Luna moth is in the Giant Silk Moth family (Saturniidae). All Giant Silk Moths live only 3 to 5 days. They have no mouths or digestive tracts. Their entire reason for being in the moth form is to mate and lay eggs. So, even though it does look like a bird got to him, he would not have lived much longer.
Ok - I realize that probably doesn't ease the mind much at all....
frankie

[Frankie]

Another beezzzz....

Donny,
Those are some amazing shots! I have never seen a bee with a proboscis or stinger or whatever like that. Number 3 really is awesome! Of course, I may have nightmares about it though
frankie

[Kris V]

Kris, that is a beautiful shot of the Luna moth.
Just to ease your mind a little... the Luna moth is in the Giant Silk Moth family (Saturniidae). All Giant Silk Moths live only 3 to 5 days. They have no mouths or digestive tracts. Their entire reason for being in the moth form is to mate and lay eggs. So, even though it does look like a bird got to him, he would not have lived much longer.
Ok - I realize that probably doesn't ease the mind much at all....
frankie

Thanks for the additional info on the Luna Moth. - It was the first and last time I ever saw one.

[Frankie]

Thanks for the additional info on the Luna Moth. - It was the first and last time I ever saw one.

You are welcome. Consider yourself very lucky. They are very rare to see!