Vic Brown
@viccbrown.bsky.social
Entomologist/Ecologist/Birder/Cook/Grandad
November 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) and Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis).
La Gola, Port de Pollença, Mallorca.
#SuperSeabirdSunday
La Gola, Port de Pollença, Mallorca.
#SuperSeabirdSunday
October 26, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) and Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis).
La Gola, Port de Pollença, Mallorca.
#SuperSeabirdSunday
La Gola, Port de Pollença, Mallorca.
#SuperSeabirdSunday
A Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus) seen briefly in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. This is late in the year, it's undoubtedly a 3rd brood individual.
October 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus) seen briefly in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. This is late in the year, it's undoubtedly a 3rd brood individual.
A female Stomorhina lunata, the Locust Blowfly on Aster in my S.Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. I know that it's suspected that this species may be parasitising native Orthoptera in the UK and is not just migrant. Does anyone know if there's been any further updates on this?
October 2, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A female Stomorhina lunata, the Locust Blowfly on Aster in my S.Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. I know that it's suspected that this species may be parasitising native Orthoptera in the UK and is not just migrant. Does anyone know if there's been any further updates on this?
Two male Phasia hemiptera on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden today. The first, much larger individual was particularly striking, with the iridescence showing well when the light was at the right angle. The second, smaller one was much dabber.
October 1, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Two male Phasia hemiptera on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden today. The first, much larger individual was particularly striking, with the iridescence showing well when the light was at the right angle. The second, smaller one was much dabber.
A very smart, presumably, recently emerged female Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden for the past two days. No doubt feeding, ready for the long journey south.
October 1, 2025 at 7:39 PM
A very smart, presumably, recently emerged female Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden for the past two days. No doubt feeding, ready for the long journey south.
Sericomyia silentis (Yellow-barred Peat Hoverfly) is a fairly common hoverfy in wet peaty habitats, particularly in North & West UK.
However, they're less frequently seen in S. Cambridgeshire. This obliging male yesterday was only my third garden record.
However, they're less frequently seen in S. Cambridgeshire. This obliging male yesterday was only my third garden record.
September 22, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Sericomyia silentis (Yellow-barred Peat Hoverfly) is a fairly common hoverfy in wet peaty habitats, particularly in North & West UK.
However, they're less frequently seen in S. Cambridgeshire. This obliging male yesterday was only my third garden record.
However, they're less frequently seen in S. Cambridgeshire. This obliging male yesterday was only my third garden record.
European Hornet worker (Vespa crabo) on the right and female Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) on the left.
On Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon.
On Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon.
September 21, 2025 at 7:46 PM
European Hornet worker (Vespa crabo) on the right and female Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) on the left.
On Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon.
On Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon.
The unseasonably warm weather brought a nice selection of butterflies on the Ivy in my S. Cambs garden today.
Painted Lady (my 1st garden record of the year).
Comma
Red Admiral (about 10 individuals).
Holly Blue (2nd or 3rd brood? Ovipositing on Ivy flower buds).
Also seen a Peacock.
Painted Lady (my 1st garden record of the year).
Comma
Red Admiral (about 10 individuals).
Holly Blue (2nd or 3rd brood? Ovipositing on Ivy flower buds).
Also seen a Peacock.
September 19, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The unseasonably warm weather brought a nice selection of butterflies on the Ivy in my S. Cambs garden today.
Painted Lady (my 1st garden record of the year).
Comma
Red Admiral (about 10 individuals).
Holly Blue (2nd or 3rd brood? Ovipositing on Ivy flower buds).
Also seen a Peacock.
Painted Lady (my 1st garden record of the year).
Comma
Red Admiral (about 10 individuals).
Holly Blue (2nd or 3rd brood? Ovipositing on Ivy flower buds).
Also seen a Peacock.
About 8 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) butterflies on the Ivy in my S. Cambs garden today. Pleased to see V. atalanta ab. millierei, a genetic aberration that lacks red pigmentation.
September 16, 2025 at 7:37 PM
About 8 Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) butterflies on the Ivy in my S. Cambs garden today. Pleased to see V. atalanta ab. millierei, a genetic aberration that lacks red pigmentation.
My 8th record of the Ivy Longhorn Hoverfly in the past seven days. After 7 females, it was good to finally spot a male.
September 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My 8th record of the Ivy Longhorn Hoverfly in the past seven days. After 7 females, it was good to finally spot a male.
Spotted this Messerschmitt Bf 109 over the garden this morning. I presume it's Nigel Farage flying back to Clacton from the Reform conference?
September 7, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Spotted this Messerschmitt Bf 109 over the garden this morning. I presume it's Nigel Farage flying back to Clacton from the Reform conference?
S. Cambridgeshire 5/9/25.
A spider rescued from a Riverfly Monitoring sample at the village brook yesterday. ObsIdentify says it's a Clubiona sp.. Given the habitat, I think most likely C. phragmitis? Confirmation or correction is appreciated, thanks.
@britishspiders.bsky.social
A spider rescued from a Riverfly Monitoring sample at the village brook yesterday. ObsIdentify says it's a Clubiona sp.. Given the habitat, I think most likely C. phragmitis? Confirmation or correction is appreciated, thanks.
@britishspiders.bsky.social
September 6, 2025 at 12:21 PM
S. Cambridgeshire 5/9/25.
A spider rescued from a Riverfly Monitoring sample at the village brook yesterday. ObsIdentify says it's a Clubiona sp.. Given the habitat, I think most likely C. phragmitis? Confirmation or correction is appreciated, thanks.
@britishspiders.bsky.social
A spider rescued from a Riverfly Monitoring sample at the village brook yesterday. ObsIdentify says it's a Clubiona sp.. Given the habitat, I think most likely C. phragmitis? Confirmation or correction is appreciated, thanks.
@britishspiders.bsky.social
Callicera spinolae, the Ivy Hoverfly, is one of the UK's rarest hoverflies, as well as one of the most spectacular.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
September 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Callicera spinolae, the Ivy Hoverfly, is one of the UK's rarest hoverflies, as well as one of the most spectacular.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
My first sighting of Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Mottled Shieldbug), in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. A recent arrival to our shores, with the first mainland record in London in 2010.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
September 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My first sighting of Rhaphigaster nebulosa (Mottled Shieldbug), in my S. Cambridgeshire garden this afternoon. A recent arrival to our shores, with the first mainland record in London in 2010.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
Following its rapid northwards expansion on the continent, it's doing the same here in the UK.
A female Chrysotoxum festivum on Garlic Chive flowers in my S.Cambridgeshire garden today. One of my favourites, a real beauty.
August 31, 2025 at 9:11 PM
A female Chrysotoxum festivum on Garlic Chive flowers in my S.Cambridgeshire garden today. One of my favourites, a real beauty.
Reposted by Vic Brown
We’re going up at a rate of 700 signatures an hour currently. In the time it took me to boil the kettle it went up by 50. Keep the message in minds folks. Fair coverage is what we want so we hear from ALL parties not just the narrative of one. Sign and pass on petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
August 31, 2025 at 8:58 AM
We’re going up at a rate of 700 signatures an hour currently. In the time it took me to boil the kettle it went up by 50. Keep the message in minds folks. Fair coverage is what we want so we hear from ALL parties not just the narrative of one. Sign and pass on petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
A European Hornet (Vespa crabo) worker and a female Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) in my S. Cambridgeshire garden. I'm astonished by how often I see these two species confused on social media.
August 26, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A European Hornet (Vespa crabo) worker and a female Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) in my S. Cambridgeshire garden. I'm astonished by how often I see these two species confused on social media.
S. Cambridgeshire 25/8/25.
A large female IchneIchneumonid in the village woods this morning.
I think Rhyssella approximator, but there seem to be 17 records on the NBH Atlas, so confirmation or correction greatly appreciated. Will iRecord, thanks.
A large female IchneIchneumonid in the village woods this morning.
I think Rhyssella approximator, but there seem to be 17 records on the NBH Atlas, so confirmation or correction greatly appreciated. Will iRecord, thanks.
August 25, 2025 at 11:58 AM
S. Cambridgeshire 25/8/25.
A large female IchneIchneumonid in the village woods this morning.
I think Rhyssella approximator, but there seem to be 17 records on the NBH Atlas, so confirmation or correction greatly appreciated. Will iRecord, thanks.
A large female IchneIchneumonid in the village woods this morning.
I think Rhyssella approximator, but there seem to be 17 records on the NBH Atlas, so confirmation or correction greatly appreciated. Will iRecord, thanks.
S. Cambridgeshire 23/8/23
Three wasps in my garden this morning.
I'm fairly confident of the first.
Hopeful of the second.
The third, I'm certain that it can not be taken further than genus without a specimen.
Mellinus arvensis
Ectemnius cephalotes (?) Confirmation appreciated.
Ancistrocerus sp.
Three wasps in my garden this morning.
I'm fairly confident of the first.
Hopeful of the second.
The third, I'm certain that it can not be taken further than genus without a specimen.
Mellinus arvensis
Ectemnius cephalotes (?) Confirmation appreciated.
Ancistrocerus sp.
August 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
S. Cambridgeshire 23/8/23
Three wasps in my garden this morning.
I'm fairly confident of the first.
Hopeful of the second.
The third, I'm certain that it can not be taken further than genus without a specimen.
Mellinus arvensis
Ectemnius cephalotes (?) Confirmation appreciated.
Ancistrocerus sp.
Three wasps in my garden this morning.
I'm fairly confident of the first.
Hopeful of the second.
The third, I'm certain that it can not be taken further than genus without a specimen.
Mellinus arvensis
Ectemnius cephalotes (?) Confirmation appreciated.
Ancistrocerus sp.
The Ivy is still a week or two from beginning to flower in my S. Cambridgeshire garden. So, it was a bit of a surprise to spot a male Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) nectaring on Michaelmas Daisy this afternoon. The earliest I've recorded one here.
August 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The Ivy is still a week or two from beginning to flower in my S. Cambridgeshire garden. So, it was a bit of a surprise to spot a male Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) nectaring on Michaelmas Daisy this afternoon. The earliest I've recorded one here.
Vespa crabo 1 - Vespula vulgaris 0
S. Cambridgeshire 16/8/25.
S. Cambridgeshire 16/8/25.
August 16, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Vespa crabo 1 - Vespula vulgaris 0
S. Cambridgeshire 16/8/25.
S. Cambridgeshire 16/8/25.
A 2nd sighting of a male European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) on Snowberry in my S. Cambs garden this morning, 6 days after my first on Saturday. Quite distant and mobile, but instantly recognisable in flight with his long, dangling hind legs and yellow, hooked antennae. @tandjwood.bsky.social
August 14, 2025 at 10:02 AM
A 2nd sighting of a male European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) on Snowberry in my S. Cambs garden this morning, 6 days after my first on Saturday. Quite distant and mobile, but instantly recognisable in flight with his long, dangling hind legs and yellow, hooked antennae. @tandjwood.bsky.social
Messing around with darkening the background on these butterflies. All photographed nectaring on Devil's Bit Scabious in the village woods.
Brimstone, Comma and Green-veined White.
Brimstone, Comma and Green-veined White.
August 12, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Messing around with darkening the background on these butterflies. All photographed nectaring on Devil's Bit Scabious in the village woods.
Brimstone, Comma and Green-veined White.
Brimstone, Comma and Green-veined White.
Worker and male Median Wasps (Dolichovespula media) have been abundant on the Snowberry in my S. Cambs garden all Summer.
A stunning queen turned up this evening, such smart wasps.
A stunning queen turned up this evening, such smart wasps.
August 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Worker and male Median Wasps (Dolichovespula media) have been abundant on the Snowberry in my S. Cambs garden all Summer.
A stunning queen turned up this evening, such smart wasps.
A stunning queen turned up this evening, such smart wasps.