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)
The Bee Fly is a parasite of mining bees dropping its eggs into the open burrows where the grubs feed on the bee's young. A sunny afternoon brought out a large number of bees and flies onto the daisies and dandelions in the village. Here are a few of the Diptera species - not the most attractive collection unless you like hairs and bristles but certainly demonstrates the large variety even semirural (gardens, verges, churchyards) environments support. Bees etc to follow!!
I visited Trumpington Meadows on Monday on a cool cloudy day so no high expectations of insect activity but some interesting finds in the woodland areas and great to see cowslips already in full bloom in places. Usual ID sheet at end - the beetle larva keyed out as a Rose Chafer but will need to check this one - found in nearby site so possible.
