Shield bug + 2

[lesno1]

[DanK]

I'm envious. We have virtually no bugs out and about yet.

The second appears to be is some species of hoverfly, but I don't know which. The third is very similar to the eastern yellowjacket wasp (Vespula maculifrons) that is very common on this side of the pond, but the markings are slightly different, and they are more readily found later in the summer. I'd be curious to know whether it is that or something different.

IMHO, bug shots are often more interesting if shot from the side or front, like your first one of the shield bug, although that often entails a lot of bending, kneeling, or even lying in the dirt.

[lesno1]

Im not sure but i think it is a hoverfly and the wasp is the common one here but if i remember right the french wasps invaded us some years ago and took over from our native smaller wasps . I agree they are better from the front and i do my best to do that but as you probably know if you try to move them they just fly off and my knees are shot so getting low down is a no go for me i just wait to find one facing me at the correct height or take what i can

[Geoff F]

Yes, a hoverfly named Eristalis pertinax (female). The wasp could be a common Wasp or a German Wasp, you need to see a front view of the face to separate them. And the shieldbug is the Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) in its summer colour; they turn a bronze colour in winter.

[lesno1]

Thanks Geoff

[Shadowman]

Nice series.