Insects in a Daisy Patch

A selection of insects photographed mainly in a large patch of daisies in my local churchyard including a well-camouflaged Hairy Shield bug. Lots of different nomad bees with some of their Andrena hosts plus a lot of different flies including Greenfly - always a challenge to photograph. Another 'sleeping' Nomad bee this time clasping a daisy petal.

'Signs of Spring' Survey at Paxton Pits

 Our first survey of the year at Paxton is always along the main Heron Trail recording any wildlife (plants in leaf/flower, birds, insects). This is a useful year-to-year comparison. Despite the cold and blustery conditions, the sunny intervals brought out quite a bit of insect life. My favourite was the Simulid midge - minute but amazingly sculptured - it is on a nettle leaf so the stinging hairs give scale!!. We were pleased to see our new bee terrace being used - Andrena bicolor was the commonest bee recorded there.