Dark Green Fritillary and Buff Tip moth

The Dark Green Fritillary was one of about 30 at Sharpenhoe Clappers and the Buff Tip came to a moth trap set up by Martin Palmer in my parent's garden near Stewartby Lake. Photos by Martin Green.

Black Hairstreak

I was fortunate to turn up at Marston Thrift today just as this Black Hairstreak was coming down to take moisture from a ride-side bramble:


Photo by Keith Balmer

A slightly better condition O-t Clearwing

This fine beast was lured near the raptor watchpoint just south of Warden Street.

Yellow-spotted Burnets

Amongst the large emergence of "normal" Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets at Sharnbrook Summit NR were a couple of the form citrina:



Photos by Keith Balmer

Orange-tailed Clearwing

Unfortunately without much of an orange tail but very good to see in Tim Sharrock's garden in Blunham. Also one Red-belted seen there.

Toadflax Brocade in Luton

Toadflax Brocade found in my trap in garden in Luton on Thursday morning June 17th. Confirmed by Andy B as the second county record after on in May this year.

Belter!

Something to show for a fair number of lunchtimes staring at washing tablet bags hung in birch trees. This was one of at least three Red-belted Clearwings coming to MYO and CUL lure on the edge of Biggleswade Common today. I thought these photos made a change from the usual top down variety. Sorry about the associated habitat - he was a bit lively.

Odynerus chimney

This mud chimney approx 1.5cm high was on the Greensand Ridge path on Maulden Heath just east of "Hagrid's House" and likely to be trodden soon. It was probably made by a wasp of the genus Odynerus, and quite possibly one of the rarer species, but will need to see the owner to confirm.



Photos by Keith Balmer

Staring down a Hornet's Nest

I realised that a hornet queen disappearing with food down a hole on Maulden Heath was a photo opportunity worth trying, but with return visits only about 15 minutes apart and no tripod to relieve tensed aching muscles, these were the best I could grab...



Photos by Keith Balmer

Wood Mouse

This little creature has taken to having a snack under the bird feeders in my back garden, taken on one of the rare moments when it was still.

Intriguing Union

Spotted on an apple leaf on Sunday afternoon - quite the right time.

White-spotted Pinion (Cosmia diffinis) is a BAP moth species. This larva was found today on elm with one other at a known site on the edge of Potton.

Brown House Moth etc

Crambus lathoniellus
Spruce Carpet