Toft Garden 16th June 2026

The insects and spiders were very active in yesterday's warm sultry weather with a couple of species of spiders (Xysticus and Philodromus species) enjoying the abundant prey (Large-headed Resin bees etc) with several Large Red Damselflies also looking for prey. I always enjoy the early stages of the Ant Damsel and Red Bugs. ID sheet at end.

Redland's Triangle Survey at Paxton

For our monthly wildlife survey at Paxton, we concentrated on an area of Redlands that is particularly good for Wasp Spiders later in the season so were not surprised at the number of Grasshoppers (wasp spider dinners) present in the long-grass areas. Delighted to find a Red-tipped Clearwing, 2 Marbled Whites and several Small Heaths. The plant tally was equally long!! ID sheets at end.

Buglife in Toft Garden

The warmish but very humid weather over the last few days has brought out a wonderful selection of weird bugs both in the scientific use of the word (the Red Bug first and later stages, Hairy Bug) and wider for all the rest of my tiny friends. Great to see two species of Weevils on the Hollyhocks, and plenty of interesting flies around the pond and on the daisies with bees and the Ornate-Tailed Digger Wasp. 

Trumpington Meadows 9th May

 The warm weather on Saturday brought out lots of insects and spiders. I was trying to concentrate on compositions rather than just unusual species looking for interesting backgrounds and different focus/exposure settings. ID sheet at the end