It has been far too hot to do much today. The Mule now has a set of beautiful new tyres.
It is feeling shy but you can just make out the tyres.
I have been out a couple of times to try for some better pictures of the Common Sycamore Aphid. It is very difficult as they really don’t like the camera and fly away. I did manage a couple of shots.
Whilst searching Sycamore leaves I came across this little black nymph. I am still looking but am tending towards it being Orthonotus rufifrons.
Whilst I was tracking it this way and that as it explored the leaf I noticed it pass another aphid. Walk right over, would be more accurate but never mind.
I managed one shot of it on it’s own but then I lost it I’ll try and find another one and also what sort of one it is.
On the way back from the forest I spied several of these pretty little flies feeding on grass pollen.
I am going to guess again. It’s a Muscid Fly. Helina abdomninalis.
I have few plans for tomorrow but will have a look for something small to show you.
Wow! Aphids are so tiny. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd the mule does look very fine with its new tyres.
Lynda, they are not very big but are very elaborate.
DeleteBlogger's been up to its tricks again - blew away my last comment saying the address was invalid - HOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to see that the Mule has a new set of boots, Adrian. I get increasingly jealous every time you show an image of it.
I love the last two aphid images!
Best wishes - - - Richard
Richard, it takes anything from a few minutes to several hours for my posts to show. Blogger is mysterious in it's ways.
DeletePetty neat also to see the veins on the leaves like that.
ReplyDeleteTakes the insects hours to make the pattern John.
DeleteThe mule is looking good.
ReplyDeleteThe aphids are incredible, especially the white one, a peculiar shape. The hairs on the muscid fly...wow.
Marie, I still haven't found out what the white aphid is.
DeleteAppreciation without identification!
DeleteAhh!..fancy being shy because you've got some new boots....I guess it won't be long before they're 'scuffed up' and not so conspicuous?
ReplyDeleteLike the white aphids and the fat fly...[;o)
Trevor, It will soon look normal. The flies are a little odd there must have been a dozen and they all eat head down.
DeleteLove the mule- ours is up on a jack in the shop because it needs a new drive shaft or something. It's waiting patiently for someone to remember it. LOL!
ReplyDeleteTerri, this one has just been treated to a couple of shafts. Good luck with the job.
DeleteGood to see new shoes on the wagon---- Answering your question about the snake, A Northwestern Garter Snake. (Thamnophis ordinoides) (I looked that up). They're smaller than other Garter Snakes.
ReplyDeleteBill thanks for the snake I always like to find a reptile though they are rare here.
DeleteMe gusta ver tus "grandes" monstruos Adrian 😉
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Mucho gracias Laura.
DeleteI'd love to have one of those little mules, especially one with such fine tyres. They are becoming increasingly popular around here as farm vehicles. That last little fly sure is getting amongst the pollen!
ReplyDeletePauline, they are better than a quad but not so much fun. They are very expensive for a motorised wheel barrow.
DeleteI like the Common Sycamore Aphid as do the Blue Tits in my garden. My three trees are covered in the things
ReplyDeleteDouglas, there are lots of sycamore trees here but few have aphids.
DeleteI'm quite taken with the rather flat-faced aphid. I've never seen anything quite like it.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I don't know what it is but I have found some very similar empty ones.
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