This Soldier or Bonking Beetle can’t be thinking what I think it’s contemplating.
The Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus) didn’t wait to find out. Very wise of it. The beetle found something it’s own size.
Here we go again. There are hundreds of these. Rhagonycha fulva. Little wonder, they are always at it. It is difficult to find one on it’s own.
These tiny creatures are not far behind. I assumed they were flying ants but they are, as usual something else. I think it is a Lesser Dung Fly one of the Sepsidae. Sepsis fulgeus I’ll settle for. Beautiful little things but getting very near the limit for me size wise.
I have searched and searched but can’t identify this. It is on Hogweed but didn’t seem to be eating it. It is very attractive.
I have checked the willow but can find no sign of the Puss Moth Larva. There were two and both have disappeared. They may have turned into pupae but I can’t find them if they have. At least I got them on video before they departed. This morning there was a new kid on the block.
I don’t know what it is and I only got one shot before it fell off the willow twig and I couldn’t find it again. I’ll have another look later.
Today is going to be the last fine day for a while so I am going out for another wander.
So sorry the Puss Moth Larva has disappeared. Maybe it's just very well camouflaged.
ReplyDeleteTina, I'm pretty sure it's gone but it did disappear once before and I found it again.
DeleteIf you don't manage to shoot more, you have some on video at least.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Mersad, there are plenty more insects in the bush.
DeleteDo you have to fend biting insects in your corner of the world while you are taking these photos?
ReplyDeleteJohn, no.....We don't have biting insects here. Nicola Sturgeon has banned them. Only kidding I get bitten several times a day.
DeleteI like the butterfly. Great macros Adrian. Could the unknown insect be some kind of inch worm?
ReplyDeleteGillian, it is but what it will turn into I haven't a clue.
DeleteIf I ever come back as something else, hopefully it will be a Soldier Beetle.
ReplyDeleteKnowing my luck though, it will be a Dung Beetle.
No idea what the caterpillar is, but very smart, and a great mover.
Keith, I had a similar thought. Yes I put it in a bin lid to watch it move. I ought to have taken some video.
ReplyDeleteIt's like you are on safari in the middle of Fife. Who needs to go to the Serengeti when you can go to Fife instead?
ReplyDeleteYP, I feel like I'm on safari. There are wonders I've never seen before and within a yard of where I stand.
DeleteBrilliant macro collection again. Last four photos are my favourites.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kovacs.
DeleteYou're really becoming accomplished as now you are showing interaction between insects and not just one bug at a time.
ReplyDeleteRed, yes but it is the depth of field that defeats me.
DeleteThose "bonking beetles" make me laugh!
ReplyDeleteLinda, they are funny little creatures.
DeleteI was looking forward to more Puss Moth posts.
ReplyDeleteGraham, they have definitely gone.
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