Insects at the University Woodland Area

This afternoon, I joined James Gilbert and Robert Jaques to search for hoverflies, bees and other insects in the woodland area at the University grounds. It was overcast and mild, and a surprising number of insects on the wing. A few Hogweed umbels were a big attractions, as were the buttercups (a handsome Helophilus pendulus above).

The Batman hoverfly, Myathropa florea on hagwort

Nettle tap moth

A male Bombus lucorum swinging from the flowers.

This is a dronefly, Eristalis pertinax.

There were at least three male longhorn, Nemophora degeerella, moths about. They danced as they flew high up. It looks like quite a challenge to fly with such oversized antennae, which presumably attracts the female's attention. This one rested on nettles for a while.

A female Marmalade fly, Episyrphus balteatus, with extended ovipositor.

And to finish, a Speckled Wood. I rarely see these butterflies nectaring. They have a short tongue and like to lap honeydew on tree tops, but the exposed, flat flowers of the hogweed seem to appeal to them.