29 April 2011 - Long Wittenham, Oxon

This Muslin Moth was the highlght of this otherwise average catch.

Muslin Moth

Dagger spp

Turnip Moth

Caddis fly spp - for when I start looking at them!

Max and I then wandered up to Wittenham Clumps for some snail finding Possible 6-spot Burnet Caterpillars were scattered around sunning themselves on various logs, etc

This beetle tried to look like a Cardinal Beetle, until I realised it wasn't one...

Max has already realised that a wander around in the morning is safest if he collects a dock leaf at the strat to protect himself from the inevitable stinging nettles...

27 April 2011 - Harcourt Arboretum, Oxon

Baby sitting duties for me this morning and where better to take the buggy (complete with daughter), than for a walk at Harcourt Arboretum. Nothing much was happening, probably for the best, until I found this beetle on the birch trees. A smart chap and definately new for me (even though the book says, 'common').

Dendroxena 4-maculata

25 April 2011 - Long Wittenham Wood, oxon

A quick check of the tadpole pool this morning revealed a ladybird sat on the brick, surrounded by water (and tadpoles). However, on closer inspection I was very surprised to see that it was in fact a Cream-streaked Ladybird - new for me.

Cream-streaked ladybird

Then checked the moth trap in Long Wittenham Wood. Delighted to find another tick for today in the shape of a Chocolate-tip - one of my all time 'most-wanted' moths...

Chocolate-tip

Only other item of interest today was this Red Twin-spot Carpet

24 April 2011 - Garden & Long Wittenham Wood, Oxon

Cassida rubiginosa

Double-striped Pug (I assume)

Silver Y

Cinnabar

Iron Prmoninent

V PugDagger spp

Myopa buccataShuttle-shaped Darts

Pugs

Caddis fly spp

22 April 2011 - Long Wittenham Wood, Oxon

A good catch last night - the highlight being Seraphim.

Seraphim

Spruce Carpet

Cockchafer

Knot Grass

Pale Mottled Willow

Waved Umber

Garden Carpet

Shuttle-shaped Dart

And a micro spp

22-spot Ladybird And my wee lad is still doing his natural history whilst out and potty training!

22 April 2011 - Pugs

And a few pugs from this morning's catch. Sometimes I still find these difficult - most of the time I find them impossible!

17 April 2011 (PM) - Didcot, Oxon

Spent the afternoon taking pictures of some mini-beasts from this morning:

Cream-spotted Ladybird

14-spot Ladybird

Pine Ladybird

2-spot Ladybird

Velvet mite And a Pale Prominent from the moth trap