Trumpington Meadows April 6th

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.

Toft Bees and Other Insects

 A selection of insects from Toft Churchyard taken on a warm sunny 4th April 2026 (IDs on final image)

Royston Heath Bees etc 2nd April

Yesterday's weather turned out warmer and sunnier than expected and the chalkland Bees etc responded with lots of activity among the Pasque Flowers. Delighted with a fair number of Red-tailed Mason bees flying  around, on the Pasque Flowers and investigating snail shells where they lay their eggs and pack with pollen for the larvae to feed on. Several other Bee Species and Flies, Suggested IDs on sheet but may need correcting!!

Toft 30th March Bees

The warm sun on Monday brought out lots of bee species iour Cambridgeshire garden, verges etc including several Andrena species, lots of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) and also several Nomada species - striped parasites of mining bees laying eggs in their nests. Pleased to see my favourite Andrena - the Ashy Mining Bee with its silver grey hairs on body and bushy beard/moustache is on the wing. ID sheet at end.