Parent Bugs (Elasmucha grisea) found on Betula pendula guarding the next generation.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.
#shieldbugs

First Clearwing of the year at Saltwells NNR, Dudley.
Red-belted Clearwing (Synanthedon myopaeformis).
Caught using pheromone lure MYO.
#moths

In April we built a Bee Bank by the wardens base. Our first resident has moved in, a Common Spiny Digger Wasp (Oxybelus uniglumis).
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.
Looking forward to seeing who else takes up residence 😁.

Was lucky enough today to find the "green socks" Peacock Beetle (Elaphrus riparius) at Saltwells NR. Last year in a slightly different habitat at about the same time of year we found the "blue socks" one. Very pleased to have both on site. It's all down to the habitat management by the wardens.

Rhinoceros Beetles discovered by a visiting school group during a bug hunt 😁👍.
Weirdly this species hadn't been recorded on site before so nice to add it to the species list.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.

Lots of Dark-edged Bee flies (Bombylius major) about today.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.

First weevil of the year spotted today.
Exapion ulicis - Gorse Weevil.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.

Found this amazing Calamites fossil at work today 😁.
A giant carboniferous horsetail.

Bit of micro-habitat creation at work today. Hopefully the Lesser Stag Beetles on site make use of it along with some of the other smaller residents of the reserve.
We are already planning where the next one will be installed 😁.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley

This gall on Artists Bracket (Ganoderma applanatum) is caused by the Yellow flat-footed fly (Agathomyia wankowiczii).
An orange coloured fly and the only invertebrate in Britain to cause a gall on fungus.
Very happy to add this to the site species list 😁.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.

This Nigma walckenaeri was spotted today at Saltwells NNR, Dudley.

Grey Shoulder-Knot (Lithophane ornitopus) found resting on a Birch log.
Saltwells NNR, Dudley.