Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: KentGardener on August 04, 2010, 06:21:03 AM
-
Spotted these twins on my garden wall yesterday afternoon - love the colouring but not sure what moths they are as I haven't seen them before.
-
Garden Tiger Moth - Arctia caja - perhaps?
Gerd
-
Gerd is correct.
I havent seen that moth for years but did find a caterpillar of that species on Tuesday. In N Ireland the caterpillar is called a woolly bear or granny grey beard.
According to my book all garden tigers have individual markings
-
Some time ago while sitting at the terrace of a restaurant in Stuttgart
we heard and saw two strange birds.
Our first thought was about crows or magpies, but when they came nearer
it was doubtless to see: two parrots had lots of fun with eating the unripe
fruits from a crabapple tree and my brother in law took the attached picture.
We already knew about the small population of these exotic birds living since
several years in a nearby park where old trees give them shelter in the
winter and space for raising their children. It is simply amazing how these exotic
birds can stand our cold climate.
-
Amazin! 8)
-
Is this a Ring-necked Parakeet -Psittacula krameri ?
I believe there are very large populations of these feral birds in England and across in quite a lot of Europe..... it is extraordinary to think they can not only survive, but thrive, too.
-
I'm envious Rudi - we were in Stuttgart last year and I had hoped to see the parrots. There are thought to be up to one hundred parrots living wild in the area. They are yellow-headed Amazon parrots (Amazona oratrix) that have made their homes in the parks on the edge of Stuttgart and in Cannstatt along the Neckar River. The origin of birds is thought to be something of a mystery as they are not thought to be descendants of escapees from Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart as they did not keep this species back in the mid 1980’s when the birds were first seen.
-
WE have colonies of monk parrots living just a few miles outside of New York City. The nest near electric poles and get warmth from the transformers. Their nest are large bundles of branches. They may have escaped from a ship that was docked nearby many years ago or from a pet shop. The cold doesn't seem to bother them to much
-
Aha, Amazona oratrix eh? Hence Anthony's "amazin'" exclamation!!
yes, amazin' indeed! Cheery looking birds... :D
-
I didn't know what a Monk Parrot was but following a search on the internet I discover they can be seen in Brooklyn and are really rather cute!
http://www.brooklynparrots.com/
-
Aha, Amazona oratrix eh? Hence Anthony's "amazin'" exclamation!!
yes, amazin' indeed! Cheery looking birds... :D
;) Back in '83 I was staying in Mona, Kingston, Jamaica for a few weeks. A group of Oxford students arrived to study the two Jamaican species of Amazon in the Cockpit country. The day after they departed a flock of Yellow Billed Amazons arrived at the compound of university houses and stayed arround for a few days. They made a fantastic noise as they flew from tree to tree, especially in the mornings! 8)
-
BTW, I felt honoured to be in such an august company.
-
I've been lucky to see Amazon parrots living in the wild in Belize
-
digital manipulation of photographs at its best. http://www.humandescent.com/ (http://www.humandescent.com/)
Some are ugly but some are very cute http://www.humandescent.com/?p=132 (http://www.humandescent.com/?p=132).
Others are mind boggling
-
I feel a bit sorry for the gooslamb. He's going to crash heavily. ;D
-
I don't see a Wildlife August 2010, and my photos are from May 2010, so perhaps it doesn't matter :P. Does anyone recognize what this brightly colored spider is? The critter's colors are so complementary on the lavender Scabiosa.
-
I don't see a Wildlife August 2010, and my photos are from May 2010, so perhaps it doesn't matter :P. Does anyone recognize what this brightly colored spider is? The critter's colors are so complementary on the lavender Scabiosa.
I've fixed the August thread deficit ;) :D
I've seen something like that spider before.... one of the Crab Spiders? ???
-
I agree with you, Maggi: it's Goldenrod Crab Spider, I think.
-
There are a few pix in the forum of different types/colours... here are the best :
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=155.msg10540#msg10540 - pale green
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90260#msg90260 - white
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90309#msg90309 - pink
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90313#msg90313 - species note .... you will see this proves a useful page.
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2467.msg77290#msg77290 yellow one
-
Yes, Zeph, a different species to the European ones it seems........
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misumena_vatia
-
These crab spiders are awesome. I've seen them (the European version) in southern Europe with huge blue carpenter bees that they've caught. :o They are found here, but have to settle for smaller prey. :P
-
Hmmm, I always called them crab spiders, only because that's what they look like! So, Goldenrod Crab Spider it is. Are the other colors still classified as Goldenrod Crab Spiders? Checking each of Maggi's links, the color of the spider is very close to the color of the flower, but the poor chap in my photos seems not to know about the fine art of camouflage.
This white one sitting on an Allium with his prey, is this also a crab spider?
-
It be a crab spider with honey bee Mark.
-
here is one on a Cypripedium montanum in Oregon
-
They get everywhere Tony - and so do you? ;D
-
Wasn't sure where to put this link but hope it is ok here.
Amazing pics even if they might make you feel somewhat uncomfortable at the idea of sharing space with them.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225903527430?page=1
-
Wasn't sure where to put this link but hope it is ok here.
Amazing pics even if they might make you feel somewhat uncomfortable at the idea of sharing space with them.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225903527430?page=1
Remarkable photography. I imagine that makers of creepy monster movies draw inspiration from such close-up shots and incredible detail on these micro-beasts.
-
Spock would have said "fascinating"
-
Is it only me or does the
meal mite look kind of like an elephant
cat flea a rhino
maggot a walrus
-
Her's an aberrant small copper (Lycaena phlaeas) with a yellowish iridescent right fore wing. Curiously, I spotted it first on golden rod growing in next door's front garden.
-
Very nice. How did you get it to sit still long enough for a photo?
-
The Bumble bee conservation people need some help. It's easy just click the button
http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/shortlistitem.cfm?id_category=3&id_entry=110 (http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/shortlistitem.cfm?id_category=3&id_entry=110)
-
talking about bees me and my nephew went for a nature ramble and saw this swarm sorry about the quality but it was took with my phone.
-
And you were that close :o :o :o
Angie :)
-
Dear goodness, I don't know what this place is coming to..... we've had 'orrible bugs that bother innocent Swifts, horrendous bugs in MEGA close-up... and swarms of bees..... I feel I should be sitting here in a veil, spraying myself liberally every five minutes with Avon-Skin-So-Soft spray ( well known for its anti- mozzie/ bug effectiveness) with a fly swat at my side.... the place is infested I tell you! :o
For those of you who would like to relax with some less "wild" life, take a look at Ian's latest Bulb Log....
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2010Aug111281536809BULB_LOG__3210.pdf :D
-
Very nice. How did you get it to sit still long enough for a photo?
When the sun shines here the butterfly, like all of us, stop and soak up the rays for as long as possibly. This little fellow let me take half a dozen pics on the golden rod and a similar number on the gravel before flying off to a nearby Cyprus hedge to soak up some more rays! 8)
-
We had a swarm of bees near us a couple of years ago. I immediately phone a local bee keeper who came and collected them.
-
Oh Maggi Poppy and Lily are so cute ...much better seeing these two sweethearts rather than all those creepy crawlies ;D ;D
Angie :)
-
Here, here, Angie, what a dog's life in Ian and Maggi's garden :D How do they look so perfect, so adorable, so WHITE? They must go wild and get up to mischief sometimes ::)
-
Here, here, Angie, what a dog's life in Ian and Maggi's garden :D How do they look so perfect, so adorable, so WHITE? They must go wild and get up to mischief sometimes ::)
Robin I have never seen those two doggies dirty and they don't stick to the paths, as you say what better life could they ask for.
The owner of Poppy would be so happy if she could see her well loved dog being spoiled by their new mum and dad.
If there is another life after this one I am coming back as a dog in a loving family ;D
Angie :)
-
It amazes us how Lily and Poppy manage to stay so white.... though there are occasions.......
[attach=1]
-
Lovely 8).
-
Ah, yes, well we all get a bit muddy in the rain, don't we? Or was she helping with the bulb log :o
-
Ah, yes, well we all get a bit muddy in the rain, don't we? Or was she helping with the bulb log :o
It happened like this....... it was not long after Poppy arrived with us....our pond is very overgrown with a lot of ivy round the raised edges and bonsai in big pots making it fairly inaccessible.... after a few weeks of being content to just wander around this large green area ( hardly any clear water visible, duck weed giving matt green appearance and lots of Bog bean foliage etc) ... Poppy decided to have a walk THROUGH it..... that was when she discovered that it wasn't grass.
However, she swims through the undergrowth and hauls herself out..... very wet, very cold, and, on account of the duckweed, a very green dog.
Now she' s a smart cookie is Poppy, ands realises that she most likely wasn't meant to go in the funny wet place and that she'd better hide the evidence of her trespassing and that green is not a very good look for her complexion........ so she makes off at speed into the back of a bed and rolls .... vigorously.... and lo and behold, she was correct.... all the evidence of the duckweed is gone... she has managed to remove every single piece of the tiny green dots from her coat.....
what Ian and are confronted by is this wet, brown creature, trying hard to assume a nonchalant pose... which, after a moment or two, we recognise as Poppy!
It was the funniest thing it really was. The look on her face as if to say, "what's the fuss about, I've done nothing" was priceless. Then, when I told her she'd have to have a shower, the look became " oh, bother, and I was SURE I'd done such a cunning disguise!"
She's 13 and a half years old..... game for an old bird!!
-
Fab story Maggi, had a giggle, Poppy is really adventurous for a 13 year old :D
-
Robin, you'd never know either of them were the age they are.... Lily is 11 and a half.... Poppy has just corrected me to tell you that she is nearly 13 and three quarters!
The difference from the wee chubby stiff old girls we got from the rehoming charity is tremendous. Both had not had enough excercise and were too hairy, too chubby
(yes, I know, Lesley... pot, kettle, black!) and walked badly.... making us think at first that these were poor arthriticky old g dears, but it turned out that they both had claws the length of Fu-Manchu's finger nails and so couldn't walk well because of that... once the claws were clipped there was an instant improvement and both were soon walking well. They are full of fun and energy..... they play and rush about... Poppy cannot wait to find a new playmate when she's on her walks.... and dog she sees she is in a rush to go meet them to see if they want to play. Lily is a little more stand-offish... she's more interested in people .... they're more likely to share food! It makes my day when someone asks how old they are then is surprised to hear that they are a pair of furry antiques really..... you wouldn't know to see 'em! I'm obsessed with these wee dogs, can you tell? ;)
-
A great obsession Maggi, they do have us hook line and sinker!
Jazzy, now 16 and a quarter has me on tap unless she's asleep after a good walk in the park, a drink in the river and them a sniff incase there's wildlife on the breeze, a chew on her bed incase she wakes up and is hungry, and dinner has to be on time - fish skin is her speciality, so we are eating more fish! 'Get a life' I say to myself but 'that's life' ;D
-
"Happiness is a warm puppy" said Charlie Brown.... I would add....Happiness is a warm puppy - no matter how old the "puppy" is! :D :) 8)
-
Our next door neighbour bought a new pup recently, found their existing dog wouldn't stand for it, so the poor little thing is shut up outside all day while they are out at work. It cries and barks all the time, it's distressing to listen to it as I want to go and comfort it. It makes me so angry that people will get a dog then go out to work and treat it like a piece of furniture that doesn't need attention. To isolate a puppy like that is terribly cruel, it should have 'pack' companions.
-
That treatment is not merely cruel, it is actual abuse, Anne and should be reported.
-
The RSPCA would like to hear about this and I am sure they would keep the reporters identity a secret.
-
I've listened to it's bark getting older-sounding over the last few weeks, and it seems to be giving in and giving up as it gets used to its incarceration. I guess that's what the owners wanted. Another set of neighbours bought 2 spaniel pups, then kept them caged indoors while they too went to work. I've never seen them outside. At least they had each other for company.
-
On a happier note, I was stuffing weeds into a bag today and suddenly saw a pair of eyes look up at me. This little chap had to be rescued and given his own patch of (deadheaded) willowherb. It is an Elephant hawk moth caterpillar, about 8cm long and 1.5cm thick.
-
Well spotted Anne.
Well, after seeing my first ever Scottish comma (Polygonia c-album) at Tentsmuir on Friday, I spotted one on the buddleja in the garden on Sunday. It didn't hang around to be photographed, but I spotted this smaller one on a buddleja half a mile up the hill by the Dykedale farm later on. In the 1920s this species was confined to the counties of Gloucester, Hereford and Monmouth, having been widespread in the 19th century. Since then it has spread, reaching Yorkshire in the 1950s and Durham in the mid 70s.
-
What a beautiful butterfly... looks like the hover-fly was keen to take a look at this rarity, too.
-
we have seen a few elephant hawk moth caterpillars on the forum this year. Has anyone seen the moth?
-
we have seen a few elephant hawk moth caterpillars on the forum this year. Has anyone seen the moth?
Yes Mark, but I have a moth trap. Best advice is to put the caterpillar in a shoe box and keep it fed. Once it pupates (in a flimsy open cocoon in amongst leaves etc. on the ground) put it in the garage until June. The box can be put in a warmer place out of the sun and checked daily until the moth emerges. My earliest memories of doing this is with two I found on a clump of greater willowherb at Stratford Upon Avon in the late 1950s.
What a beautiful butterfly... looks like the hover-fly was keen to take a look at this rarity, too.
I wonder how far north it has spread? It is a resident, not a migrant. The "Big Butterfly Count" shows lots of sightings south of the Forth.
-
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/highflying-stray-vulture-puts-pilots-on-alert-20100819-12j6l.html
-
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/highflying-stray-vulture-puts-pilots-on-alert-20100819-12j6l.html
Yes, Helen, this lost vulture has been all over our news bulletins.
In the wild they can it seems soar to 37 thousand feet... hence the warning to aircraft but the keeper on the news this morning said he thinks the poor thing is more likely sitting miserable and hungry in a tree somewhere, wondering how the blazes to get "home"!
Flying conditions were very good when she made off, enjoying the wind and so on, but it's been colder and wet since then and her keeper thinks she will be grounded.
Poor creature, since her chances of survival seem slim in the wild here I hope they find her safely.
-
Along the lines of Lily and Poppy, let me introduce you to my neighbors two Corgi dogs, Penny (on the left) and her Uncle Charlie. I call them Mrs. Moneypenny and Charles. No longer having dogs (I had German Shepherds in the past), I get my doggy fix by playing with my neighbors dogs, particularly when my daughter house sits for them. The sweetest most adorable faces ever.
-
It's really tough for pet keepers when they no longer have their own animals to care for isn't it? .... good to know you don't have to go too far to get a furry cuddle from that cute pair. Are Corgis popular in the USA?
-
Spotted this fellow on the Teviot.
-
A Bee Beetle (Trichius fasciatus?) in my garden on Cirsium oleraceum (Cabbage Thistle). I thought first it was dead (drowned in nectar?) but poking, it eventually revived:
-
Very handsome.
-
A Bee Beetle (Trichius fasciatus?) in my garden on Cirsium oleraceum (Cabbage Thistle). I thought first it was dead (drowned in nectar?) but poking, it eventually revived:
Very interesting Stephen.
I have never heard of one before. Apparently they are rare in the UK.
Would like to see one.
Graham
-
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/highflying-stray-vulture-puts-pilots-on-alert-20100819-12j6l.html
Yes, Helen, this lost vulture has been all over our news bulletins.
In the wild they can it seems soar to 37 thousand feet... hence the warning to aircraft but the keeper on the news this morning said he thinks the poor thing is more likely sitting miserable and hungry in a tree somewhere, wondering how the blazes to get "home"!
Flying conditions were very good when she made off, enjoying the wind and so on, but it's been colder and wet since then and her keeper thinks she will be grounded.
Poor creature, since her chances of survival seem slim in the wild here I hope they find her safely.
Good news, the lost vulture has been found and reunited with her keepers. She'd lost about half a kilo in wirhgt and was "so pleased to see" her keepers "she flew straight towards us when we got out of the van at the site where she was spotted"
-
My husband always keeps mars bars in his golf trolley, which he wont share with me but does with his new lady friend.
-
Angie,
amazing images. Foxes are adaptable and world wide successful but I wonder if it is a good sign that a wild animal obviously complete lost its natural awe from humans.
-
Angie,
amazing images. Foxes are adaptable and world wide successful but I wonder if it is a good sign that a wild animal obviously complete lost its natural awe from humans.
I feel that this is a problem...last year it was the same there was a fox that got so friendly with the golfers and people came to see this fox but not long after the farmer next to the golf club shot this fox, I do think it better they are left to be wild. I have a deer in my pony paddock and I can be cutting the grass at he is feet away from me. I do clap my hands and scare him off as I can see when winter comes my garden will be a nice source of food ::)
We have a really large male fox in the field in front of the house and for the first time we haven't had anybody shooting and I can see the difference in the rabbit population. I do love watching these lovely animals but I can also understand that they need to be kept in check.
But one thing i have found out I know what pocket in the bag to look for the CHOCOLATE ;D ;D
Angie :)
-
Absolutely beautiful fox.... and it proves what a lot of women have thought for a while... a good looking girl in a nice fur coat can turn a lot of heads...... ;)
-
Maggi now you have me really worried Derek is away golfing again tonight and he has put some goodies in his golf bag ;D ;D ::)
Angie :)
-
Angie lovely set of photo's,my favourite British mammal is the fox.
-
Just shows you mobile phones do have there uses ::)
Husband came back tonight after playing golf and told me that two ladies have complained about the fox approaching them and want something done about the fox, I can guess what will happen :'(
I have said to my husband its maybe better not to feed the foxes but he said so many members are.
Angie :)
-
Oh dear, what a shame.... poor fox will suffer for its charms....... :'( :'(
-
Not a common sight around here - the yellow tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)
but they are obviously attracted to the seeds inside pine cones and the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) is feral in many parts of Australia.
[attachthumb=1]
cheers
fermi
-
Foxes are incredible smart. Here in the dunes they get fed too along the cycling paths in the dunes. They are waiting until one stops and will come to people, but they don’t even move when you pass by.
-
Not a common sight around here - the yellow tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)
but they are obviously attracted to the seeds inside pine cones and the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) is feral in many parts of Australia.
cheers
fermi
Fascinating birds Fermi. The various white cockatoos and Moluccans are fairly common in bird collections over here but I don't think I've ever seen a black one.
Picture is my son with a Moluccan at Desford bird garden in Leicestershire many years ago. Sadly the cockatoo was stolen and I don't think they recovered her.
-
Gail,
it's a pity that Australia doesn't take advantage of the demand for these birds (mainly the sulphur crested cockatoo) overseas to make some money out of them! Instead they breed up, destroy crops and then farmers get permits to "cull" them! I know that exploiting them is a problem and the illegal trade in these birds is worse than rare plants! But there has to be a middle ground.
And "No" I'll not try to export any myself ;D Though I have nasty thoughts towards them as they are currently in their vandalistic stage and ripping daffodils and the early liliums to shreds! :'(
cheers
fermi
-
We used to have a Moluccan called Sinbad, until we found out she was a Sindy. We then lent her to Edinburgh Zoo (for their breeding programme) but she died. The technical reason given was inanition. :'(
-
So sorry to hear this Anthony. Breeding programmes for Moluccans seem to be fraught with dangers; I've heard of females been killed by over-aggressive males.
-
I'm told it is tricky to get such birds to adjust to changed situations and so that might cause a failure to thrive. Underlying medical problems can also cause an inability to either take food or gain nourishment from it... happens with dogs, too. :'(
-
Three images captured yesterday of a hawker (species/sex please?) that landed very conveniently on Sue's pink cardigan as we walked around a public garden.
HAWKER
Please click on each image to expand.
-
An amazing set of images Cliff - Sue obviously welcomes Hawkers ;D
-
not really wild more slightly peeved at having to stand so still for so long..
-
Just chased a LARGE female wild turkey out of my garden. No pictures, I was too distressed by the immediacy of the scenario. Happened to look out my bedroom window, and noticed the scene, a large turkey sitting in a raised dirt crater she created (a nest) in amongst my newly prepared area where I planted about 2500 trillium seed (of 20 species). You'll all probably think I was mean, but I had to nip this one in the bud and chase the turkey away. This turkey has been hanging around recently, and I can't tolerate the potential damage that might (will) occur if allowed to nest here and raise a brood of young ones, there's enough wild open spaces nearby that she can nest in. The crater was surprisingly wide and deep, fortunately just missing my in-situ-sown Trillium beds. I didn't want to resort to covering the whole area in wire mesh, but it looks like I'll have to, at least temporarily.
-
Earlier in May I posted a photo of a gorgeous group of cygnets on the river, 8 in all. This is the same group raised by two amazing and dedicated parent swans who have watched over and nurtured them :)
-
8 is an excellent number to survive to this stage. Very often there are only 2 or 3
-
Great images from everybody.
McMark,
I can imagine your inner annoyance and it puts a smile in my face :). Don't think I'm nasty but my experience is that animals seem to have a fine sense to exactly occupy well prepared places... ;D Either cats, dogs, squirrels, birds or even a large wild turkey ;D
-
Not sure if I've posted a pic of this beauty previously, so forgive me if I have but thought you might like to see our friendly neighborhood "Orb Weaver" (Argiope aurantia). It's about 1.5 inches in length and is non=poisonous, although it can give you a nasty allergic reaction if it decides to bite you. Note the turquoise colored 'orb' and the zig-zag web.
-
What a beautiful photo, Robin! And also the spider - I have pet ones too, the biggest are in the compost heap. My indoor 'friends' give me a perfect excuse for not dusting in the corners! ;D
-
Lovely picture Robin. What an amazing sight :o
-
Thanks Anne and Ashley, I was so thrilled to catch them all together like that sailing along and 'yes' you are right Mark it's incredible that the 8 have survived - they have quite a following as you can imagine!
-
Note the turquoise colored 'orb' and the zig-zag web
Well, you had me Googllng to find out more about this amazing Orb Weaver spider from your neck of the woods - terrific photo and interesting facts, like weaving a new web every day :o
-
The darn wild turkeys are back, the whole family this time. My daughter caught some photos. To get the ambiance of the day, it is 90 F (32 C), good turkey weather.
-
Oh dear, Ma Turkey has brought the whole clan as reinforcements..... you'll have your work cut out to chase of that lot, McMark!
-
Mark, shotgun+shot+freezer ;D
-
Mark,
wunderful wildlife shots. 2 adults (hens only?) and 12 chicks?
Is this the Eastern Wild Turkey subspecies (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)?
-
Mark, shotgun+shot+freezer ;D
I'm with you on that David, except I haven't a shotgun; maybe slingshot+club+freezer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slingshot
-
Mark,
wunderful wildlife shots. 2 adults (hens only?) and 12 chicks?
Is this the Eastern Wild Turkey subspecies (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)?
I'm not sure where the Toms (males) are these days, have been seeing the female hanging around the last couple of weeks. This brood of 12 is probably the same (except more grown up) from my earlier posting:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5568.msg156279#msg156279
They all came back a couple times today, like my yard they do >:(
Yes, Meleagris gallopavo silvestris.
-
A couple of Sheild Bugs from today.
The first two photos I believe are an instar of the Hawthorn Shield Bug, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale
( Not a name it would have chosen, I'm sure)
The second two an adult.
-
Many thanks for your reply, Mark!
-
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/lepke-1.jpg)
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/herny.jpg)
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/bige.jpg)
-
Another hawker ...
HAWKER
-
Can anyone identify this larva please, I'm sure it's very common - but in this I am clueless! It's about 1.5cm long and found on my hand after I had removed foxglove, hollyhock and other seedlings from the path.
-
I have no idea what your larva might be, Brian but it sure has a very sad expression on its tiny face.
I found this showy caterpillar in my Wisteria today.
-
Gunilla,
Your moth looks to be Orygia antiqua or 'Vapourer' moth as it is known in Britain.
A link to a website of Swedish moths:
http://www.pbase.com/coridon/image/110478491
Cheers
Mick
-
Cliff,
I've being trying to i-d your dragonfly pictures posted over the last few days - the one on the orange flower seems to be the Common Darter (Sympetrum stroilatum), an immature male. The other one is a little trickier, as you only show it's face - am I right in thinking that the colour of the abdomen was an orange yellow, which would have clashed horribly with the pink of Sue's cardigan? ::). If so then it's also a Common Darter, but an adult male this time. Great picture!
-
Many thanks indeed, Peter ... much appreciated.
-
I got a few surprises in some of my swift nest boxes just now. I've been up the ladder taking down the cameras and scraping the nest box floors to clean them.
About half of the nest boxes are being used by cluster / attic flies. They didnt use them last year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluster_fly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluster_fly)
Anthony I thought they used traditional sites following scent left by the previous years hibernating flies.
Mark
-
Pioneers Mark.
-
Two attentive observer in the garden.
Cannot remember to have seen ever a mantis with this colour.
-
Many orthopterans can change their colour, at a moult, to match their environment. I have done this with mantids. Not sure if it is a visual thing or or something else. Certainly mantids found on growing vegetation tend to be green whereas those on dry herbage are pale brown. I've never seen one as vidvid as that one.
-
Thanks Anthony - yes, green and pale brown ones are those which are common here. The strange colour was worth to take some pictures. Here a second one.
-
Hans, cool sanguine praying mantis!
For the summer, a faithful tree frog lives beneath a planter on my deck, emerging each night at dusk to sit patiently and hunt insects... what a guy! He's like a friend, and it seems amiss if we can't find him sometimes, typically making an appearance each night while we watch some TV in the living room with our glass slider door open. I believe it is a Gray Treefrog or Hyla versicolor, variable in color and markings, but I'm certainly no expert in this and welcome any better identification.
-
Hans,
your unknown grashopper could be a Anacridium aegyptium "Ägyptische Wanderheuschrecke". Typical are the striped facet eyes. And it is a very good flyer. Size ~30-70mm.
The species is living around the Mediterranean sea countries. Sometimes it gets imported via vegetable transports.
Do you have another picture to show the whole insect?
The mantis is a wunderful insect and confirms you live in a very mild climate. :D
Mark,
I love frogs! Can't confirm what species it is but it is a lovely appearance.
It is a pity that frogs and other amphibians are the most endangered species worldwide by destruction of their habitats and enviromental pollution. :(
-
After the heavy rains on the weekend (which caused serious flooding elsewhere) we came down to find a bowl which had been left near the "dry" creek bed had been washed down nearly 10m!
[attachthumb=1]
And in the bottom of it and probably unable to hop out was this little frog, most likely to be a Pobblebonk, Limnodynastes dumerilii sitting rather motionlessly.
[attachthumb=2]
[attachthumb=3]
We were afraid he might've been scared to death or tired out by trying to escape but he revived when released into the garden :D .
cheers
fermi
-
Gunilla,
Your moth looks to be Orygia antiqua or 'Vapourer' moth as it is known in Britain.
Cheers
Mick
Thanks Mick, I didn't know the English name for it. Had to look it up in my dictionnary :).