SPOT THE BEE FLY ETC. ETC. UPDATE 2nd August 2022
Hello again, we hope you are managing to cope with the hot and humid weather, we are totally lacking insect life in our garden, with the exception of the Honey Bees, even the birds seem to be hiding themselves away. We need rain!
However, our stalwarts keep the contributions coming in and we start with Alan Meeks, a friend of the Society, with a small selection of lovely photographs he sent following a visit to the Deepcut Mindenhurst SANGS:
23rd July from Alan Meeks: “Mike,
Thought you might like to see some pictures taken from the Deepcut Mindenhurst SANGS during our walk yesterday.
The Buddleia was well populated with butterflies but was not as prolific as the one in our garden when I was a kid when a butterfly net was always on hand. “
26th July from Mike Clift: It Is I think The Southern Marsh Orchid which I took in the R S P B reserve at Corfe Mullen in May… There were still some Green veined orchids in flower, but this was a new one for me at that site. I was not able to have a later visit, so will have to leave that to next year.
29th July from Rob Agar: “Foxy spotted at 8 am at St Peters, Frimley churchyard yesterday. Fairly long shots although did allow me to get closer then ambled off....Rob”
2nd August from Roger Hoyle: Some terrific macro photos from Roger, - and a question:
“Hi Mike, Here are a few images for consideration for the 'Bee Fly', all taken in my back garden.
Two are of some ants attacking a dying bee. It was a rather grisly scene! The bee seemed very poorly and was trying in vain to escape, but the ants were relentless. The other two images are a moth and a fly. I have tried to identify them using the internet, and would be happy for anyone to offer other identifications. I think the moth is a Willow beauty, but there are other moths that look similar. Originally I thought the other image was a large bee, but the eyes are not like a bee. I believe it is a hoverfly, which is one of the largest hoverflies and is known as a hornet mimic. Best wishes, Roger.”
Jenny and I went with friends to Osterley Park last Tuesday, definitely worth a visit if you have not been before. This large leafed tree was growing in the courtyard, we have no idea what type of tree it is, - any ideas out there?
