Now, recently I've posted a few Ladybird pictures - some of them have even been in focus ("Which makes a change", I hear you shout). But just as the easy ones were getting very difficult for me, today, life got even more difficult. Now I reckon this little beastie is a Pine Ladybird. What it on a pine tree? What it b... f... s.... f.. b...!
But, never mind, I hadn't realised things could get more difficult until this yellow none-spotted ladybird walked in to camera shot - and this little b... f... s... f... b... was on a conifer - surely it can't also be a Pine Ladybird!
Speckled Wood - you just can't stop taking picture off em when they pose like this.
Nipplewort - to you to, Madam
.
.Yellow Cruciferae thing.
And then, the very helpful Ali Riggs emailed through some directions for Serotine Bat.... Such good info was too... er.. good, not to act on it. So 90 minutes later the Bearded One and I were heading towards Downe on something of a wild bat chase. Despite using the very detailed directions, we found the wrong golf course with the wrong footpath with the wrong building....
After being accosted by locals for acting 'wierd', we were sent to the other side of Downe to the correct road and farm house.
Within 10mins of arrival a huge Monster of a bat departed the building and flew directly over head - brilliant. Thanks Ali!
Upon leaving the site a Common Toad, so appauled at my Surrey Heath Toad being the first one I'd ever photographed, duly put in an appearance for the camera.
4 comments:
As it happens , both your ladybirds are probably Pine Ladybirds . Info. -
www.gardensafari.net/english/lady_bugs.htm
Yellow crucifer - all are members of Cabbage familt , your one probably Charlock , with rough hairy stem .
are you going on the Bat Walk at Leybourne Lakes tomorrow night? May bump into you if you do.
Hi, it's Chris here - the bloke who works with Dougal. Regarding the no-spot yellow ladybird, I'd say this is almost certainly the introduced Harlequin ladybird(Harmonia axyridis) that has recently made headlines due to it's potentially destructive effect on our native species. The 'W'(or 'M' depending on how you look at it)on it's head is a diagnostic feature. The colour and pattern on the carapace can be extremely variable, but the 'W' is nearly alwys there. By the way, nice photos!
Chris - Thanks for the ID help. Really is much appreciated. Will doubtless catch up with you at some point - hopefully soon. Ross
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