More Bugs

A couple more bugs today. Both of these were found in our garden yesterday, the first was on our patio doors when we returned from our walk. I wonder why so many creatures seem to like our patio doors! This little beauty is a Dance Fly (Empis livida).

Dance flies feed on a wide variety of things including nectar from blooms as well as other insects. Looking at it from underneath (made easy by the fact that it was sitting on the glass), you can easily see the huge mouth parts which it uses to probe for the nectar and the probe into the softer parts of its prey items. It looks horrific, as if it would give you a nasty bite, but it is harmless to humans.

Secondly, a large moth which fell off the door as we opened it. This one is a Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha). The larvae of this moth feed on various grasses including Fescues and Tussocks.

Far more cute was this Canada Goose Gosling (Branta canadensis). It was intent on grazing the banks of the Mapperley Reservoir yesterday, while being looked after by its two parents. A formidable pair.

Cute again and a shot from Shipley Hill a few days ago. There were several Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) feeding on seeds which had been left for them on a fallen tree and didn't seem to be too bothered about me taking their picture - as long as it didn't interfere with their eating.