An Insect Day

Dull, cloudy, a gentle breeze, warm and a pinch of sun was the order of the weather during the day.  This did not deter the insects from flying and feeding.

The hoverflies covered the Rayed Knapweed, Meadow Sweet and Pepper Saxifrage.

These three almost made a triangle on a thistle flower.

Antler Moths are just beginning to hatch and they can be seen flying and feeding during the day.  This one is covered in pollen.

Small Skippers were slow to make their appearance on the butterfly list but they are making up for it now.

This Green Veined White was well camouflaged against the Meadowsweet.

Not all the insects seen were on the wing, some were on the water.  The Scrapes ponds were covered with Pond Skaters.  Most were not disturbing the water, but this one stood out.

Wednesday was a totally different day with high temperatures and lots of sun.  Out on the moor a chaser was photographed.  It was another discussion running along the lines of 'Its got four spots so it is a Four Spotted Chaser.'  Its tummy (very scientific!) is narrow and black.'  'Maybe a female?'  'Hasn't got a black end to its abdomen.'  Once home out came the books and we realised that it was a female (we got that right out in the field) Black Darter.