Mayfly
I saw this mayfly down a lane where damselflies are often found, which is close to a nature reserve (not that it has always been one). It is adjacent to an ancient pathway trodden since medieval times. All within a few minutes walk of this mayfly’s domain.
Before kindly landing on this grass stem, this weird but fascinating creature was ‘bobbing’ up and down around, where I was standing awaiting the return of a banded demoiselle.
It is amazing how long the tails are compared with the size of the rest of its body.
I always thought that mayflies swarmed during their mating, but this one appeared to be alone. Though it was close to evening, and perhaps after a busy day he’d looked for somewhere quiet to rest a while – who knows.
Green Dock Beetle
This is the first time I have ever seen a pregnant dock beetle.
The initial reaction on discovering its name was to make sure she lurked on a dock leaf.
It wasn’t the easiest of creatures to photograph as they are tiny – only 4-6mm in size! This one was half way down a massive leaf.
This plant is a broad leaved dock, and down the lane where I took this image these were no-where near the nettles.
Small Tortoiseshell Caterpillars
A difficult shot to get, hidden deep within a patch of nettles.
Swirling as though one huge being. Too large now for the webbing they built, they’ll be off to create another communal place to live.
Small tortoiseshell larvae always stay together while young. Once large enough they will separate – going their own ways to pupate.
A Single Small Tortoiseshell Caterpillar
I love this image – with the aphid by its side.
Skipper Butterfly
A bright coloured skipper
With big brown eyes
There in the bush vetch
Some pollen he spies.
Then hanging upside down
As though an orange bat
So that lovely sweetness
He can now get at!
Green Shield Bug
If this shield bug had been a little more amenable to posing facing me, then I am sure this image would have been more appealing.
Alas, he was too busy hurrying along this cow parsley stem.
If he hadn’t flown passed my head, there is every likelihood I would not have seen him with such attire blending in so well.