Lakenheath Insects

As expected on a warm humid day, there was plenty of insect activity at RSPB Lakenheath Fen with lots of Banded Demoiselles, Ruddy Darters and some Green-eyed Hawkers on the wing occasionally settling for a portrait. Painted Ladies topped the butterfly numbers with Peacocks and at least two Skipper species present in good numbers. Lots of Horseflies around - great for photography of eyes but insect repellent definitely needed to protect the skin. Photographing with the 300mm plus1.4 converter worked well for the butterflies aiming to create soft backgrounds.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Painted Lady

Arrived out of nowhere and gone in a minute or two but great to have Hummingbird Hawkmoth visit the garden along with a couple of Painted Ladies. Initial shutterspeed 1/250th increased to 1/4000th - probably somewhere in between would give enough movement to give a feel of hovering. Painted Ladieswere very confiding.

Spring is Progressing with Damselfly Pairing and Painted Lady

The Jumping Spiders have really thrived in the hot dry weather and whenever I am weeding, whether at ground level or, as here, in the currant bushes, one of them is eyeing me up. Fortunately he caught a leaf hopper soon after this. First Painted Lady of the season and the Red Damselflies and Azure Damsels are paired up and laying in the pond. The Weevil is exquisite in the detail for a very very small beetle - I haven't yet found a suitable match.