A Celebration of Insects

The temperature rose and the sun came out just in time to celebrate Insect Week.  There are many insects in the varied habitats at Foxglove.  Some we know, some we can ID and some need the experts. 

Honeysuckle has just come into flower and is covered by tiny insects and bees.  This bee was really having to work to pull the lower petal down so that it could reach the nectar.

Marsh Cinquefoil is flowering in the wetland ponds and is loved by insects too.  This photo, totally out of focus, shows two bees trying to reach the same flower.

Thistles provide a great food source for bees and butterflies.

As spring turns to summer so the butterflies on the wing also change and the skippers are just beginning to appear.  I think this is a Large Skipper Butterfly.  The hairs on its body were catching the sun and appear to be tipped with gold.

Brimstone Butterflies fly, up, down, fast, sideways, behind you and in front of you leaving you and the camera trailing in their wake, so when one sits still it is amazing.

Eco Club children investigated insects this morning and when pond dipping found a Great Diving Beetle. 

Damsels - damselflies are flying and can be spotted not just near the ponds but along Risedale Beck and on the moor.

Name unknown, this insect has the most beautiful eyes!