Sunday, May 31, 2020

31/05/2020 Lots of insects........Part 1

Maximum temperature here today 27⁰C, minimum 14⁰C.  Dry.  16km/h South-Easterly wind with gusts up to 37 km/h. 

I walked yesterday but with 25C in the shade, I only managed 6.2 km, the last loop I had planned was abandoned!
Hoverfly possibly (Episyrphus balteatus) on a Californian poppy.

Nine spot Ladybird.

Bees on the cotoneaster.

Hoverfly not the same as one above!...
In France there are around 530 different species of Hoverfly that are known to be present, this is probably (Syrphus ribesii).

As above.

Spotted Craneflies I think - (Nephrotoma appendiculata).

House centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata).

Possibly one of the stag beetles.

Bee on the blackberry blossom.

Ants on Common Vetch.

Black-veined white butterfly (Aporia crataegi).

Red admiral butterfly (vanessa atalanta).

Beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx Virgo) female.

As above male.

As above female.

A pair of River skaters (Aquarius najas).

Common clubtail dragonfly, (Gomphus vulgatissimus).

Not an insect but seen on the walk - Probably (Pelophylax lessonae).


My thanks to Richard for ID of some of the difficult (for me) insects.  If you have not visited his blog I highly recommend it.  Any mistakes on ID are very much my own as I sometimes think I know better than to ask!!!


Our local list of wild flowers

See also my

26 comments:

  1. Wonderful Diane - and yes it's been warm ... actually cooler here by the English Channel - but still fabulous to have the sun - the insects are loving it. As too the pool frog having a little walk about ... fun - to see and thanks for reminding us about Richard's blog - take care - Hilary

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    1. Hilary it can never be too hot for me but walking in full sun, as I discovered, is quite a different story!! I was delighted to see the frog although on the rare occasion I have seen them in our garden after lots of rain, heaven knows where they come from the closest stream is 1 km away. Enjoy the week and stay safe. Diane

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  2. You do manage to find some wonderful subjects to photograph, Diane, and whilst I am jealous of some of your dragons and damsels, the insect that really intrigues me is that beautiful House Centipede. I was not aware of these until now. I've enjoyed your photographic prowess - thank you

    Thank you, also, for the mention. I'm more than happy to help if I can, but my knowledge is limited!

    My very best wishes to you both - - - Richard

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    1. Richard those house centipedes grow quite large easily up to 50 mm in length. I am happy to have them around as they eat spiders, roaches, moths, flies, silverfish and termites. Most people I know shudder and kill them which is sad.

      I hope you get some new visitors as I love your blog.

      Hope you both have a great week, take care and stay safe. Diane

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  3. Such great macros! I’ve never seen a ladybug with yellow spots!

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    1. Marie it was a first for me as well and I had to search for an ID.
      Have a good week and keep well Diane

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  4. We've been happy to see more bees lately.

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    1. I am sure there are more creatures of all sorts around since lock-down. It has done nature good if not the human health! Keep safe Diane

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  5. Your knowledge of, dedication to, and presentation of insects is wonderful, Diane. There are so many, and so many similar species, it can be a bit of a daunting task to identify them. Hoverflies give me fits, and beetles often leave me drawing a total blank. But it is fun to try, and to enjoy them nonetheless. I suspect that when the robin in my yard right now snags a beetle, he is not concerned about identifying it! Have a great week with great walks. David

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    1. Thanks David for the very kind comment. I have to admit to getting totally frustrated with ID but as you say it is fun to try (I think)!! Hope all is well over there, best wishes to you both, Diane

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  6. Nice photos of beautiful insects. The house centipede is something I have not seen. Take care and stay safe.

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    1. Thanks Nancy, the centipede is a very interesting creature and kills other annoying bugs. Have a good weekend Diane

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  7. Incredible photos Diane, so very sharp and clear, just beautiful! Stay safe and well!

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  8. Once again, fabulous!!! I was particularly drawn to your photo of the demoiselle female today, especially the one with the wings pointing up and all the sunshine on them. Thank you Diane, you've given me a renewed respect for the insect world.

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    1. Thanks for the very kind comment Denise, and I am delighted that your interest in the insect world has grown. Take care Diane

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  9. I always love your beautiful microcosmos fotos, Diane. I cannot recognise the male and female dragonflies! And I LOVE the yellow-black ladybug. I thought ladybugs were only red-black. Kisses, my dear friend.

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    1. Thank you Mia for the comment as always appreciated. I can not always sex insects but some of them are fairly easy. Take care and stay safe Diane.

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  10. Great shots. I've never seen that type of lady bug before.

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    1. Thanks Pam, it took me a while to find out what it was, it was a first for me as well!! Take care Diane

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  11. Your photographs are stunning.

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    1. Thanks for the visit and the comment, much appreciated. Keep well Diane

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  12. Always enjoy seeing your macros Diane, the dragon fly wings are so beautiful. 6.2 is an excellent walk, especially in warmer weather. I've been so busy in the garden this week, creating a new bed..gosh it gets harder on my back each year 😊 Happy weekend to you both ✨

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    1. Grace I agree, gardening gets more and more difficult as we get older. I used to be able to dig the whole veggie garden over in one day now it takes me 3 or 4!! Hope you have a good weekend also, Diane

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  13. You are keen to observe the surroundings and carefully capture the object image of the insect well. Salute to your accuracy.

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    1. Thank you for the visit and the kind comment. have a good day, Diane

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  14. Looks like love is in the air with the mating insects. I met a budding entomologist today at the park and immediately thought of you and Joan.

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