Ideal weather (warm, sunny and still) yesterday for our macro session at Paxton hunting out the small inhabitants who go unnoticed most of the time. Several new species for me including this Gorse Shieldbug found on the open Redlands area and a nationaly scarce species of leaf bug Raglius alboacuminatus (unfortunately not the best technical image!). It was also good to record the Pantless Darth Vader Spider on the border at the visitor centre - a long name for a very small spider, and a couple of Weevil beetles with their long snouts - Tatianaerhynchites aequatus can compete for length of name versus size of adult.
This year is one of those where all the spring flowers have ended up in bloom at the same time! Ellie and I were going birdwatching at Fowlmere but the roads out of Toft in that direction all had closed signs so we headed for Waresley Wood - I said too early for Bluebells but we found them fully out along with all the other spring flowers (Wood Anemone, Celandine, Primrose, Oxlip, Dog Violet and Greater Horsetail) though no Early Spotted Orchids were found. Very bright sunlight and an 800mm - not recommended for flower photography but certainly gave some different views. Final image of a mating pair of Bee Flies - first time I have seen them coupled in flight but only got in focus as they landed.
First Butterfly Transect of 2026 completed - not a lot about - recorded a few Brimstone, Orange Tips and Peacocks. As my route finishes a distance from the car park, I looked at the various other insects on the wing as I returned to the car. The Rhombic Leatherbug is an attractive 'variation' on our common Dock Bug, the diamond-shaped abdomen is easily overlooked. Several Hairy Shieldbugs waking up from hibernation. Not many bees around considering the temperature 14-15 degrees.
A selection of insects from Toft Churchyard taken on a warm sunny 4th April 2026 (IDs on final image)
