Toft Garden Early May

A catch up on the records for the last few days in my garden in Cambridgeshire. Lots of favourite species emerged over the last few days with the very warm weather, including the Speckled Bush Cricket  and also some species still around though past their zenith such as the Ashy Mining Bees. The bee hotels have been busy with the Red Mason Bees bringing in mud to seal their cells. They collect water at the edge of the pond but I am resisting photographing this as I have already got very wet once this year getting too engrossed in the task!! ID sheet at end

 

Lackford Lakes More Portraits

A second set of insect and spider portraits from our sunny visit to Lackford Lakes on Thursday (ID sheets to follow)

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!!