The "What is this bug?" thread

[British Red]

I have to be honest HM I was googling chrysalis pics and that seemed closest...that said around here, something like peacock, large white, red admiral or painted lady would seem most probable......I've honestly no idea, but would love to know

 

[Harvestman]

Short of googling, I don't know how else you would find out. I try not too google unless I have to, as if I have to do it it means I don't have a clue, and a blind guess isn't likely to be helpful.

 

[British Red]

I'll ask on WAB - hopefully someone will know

 

[Mad Mike]

A Comma in a garden yesterday

I cannot be specific with this one

Mike

 

[Harvestman]

Those cranefly shots are superb. I think it is Tipula paludosa, but would need the specimen to be certain.

 

[Mad Mike]

Spotted another Plume moth looks different to the other one

& a Pushmepullyou White

 

[Harvestman]

Red, I went on the UK Butterflies site, and if the number of paired spikes are anything to go by, then yours has 6 small pairs prior to the big one, same as the small tortoiseshell that they picture. Other species have 5 small pairs, but then, I don't know if that is a reliable characteristic. Colour seems to be enormously variable.

My guess is small tortoiseshell, but we won't know unless you see it emerge.

 

[JonathanD]

How's about this beauty...

 

[Harvestman]

A beauty indeed, rather like my wife (she's reading this)...

Is that an Emperor? I'm a bit hazy on Odonata, but it doesn't have any thoracic stripes.

 

[JonathanD]

I haven't checked yet. Thought I'd go the lazy route and ask here first. I just bought a splendid new Dragonflies of Britain book too, but it's at my office where it's needed most.

 

[JonathanD]

Oh, and my wife is a moose (she's not reading this).

 

[bb07]

Oh, and my wife is a moose (she's not reading this).

Even without my glasses I can see you're mistaken

Wife:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/customavatars/thumbs/avatar23911_8.gif

Moose:
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7s5PmZ615BS-FwcDwC7_73HY9jNMmhaQT5sjz3SodvmcOQu-RsQ

 

[Harvestman]

Mind you, there's a certain something about the eyes...

 

[woodpoet]

Could anyone tell me what sort of spider this is. its about the size of a penny with its legs.

 

[Mad Mike]

Never anm certain with the blue ones

Meadow Brown?

Gatekeeper?

Found only feet apart in the middle of a field

A Banded demoiselle I think, or 2

Mike

 

[wattsy]

Never anm certain with the blue ones

Meadow Brown?

Gatekeeper?

Found only feet apart in the middle of a field

A Banded demoiselle I think, or 2

Mike

the first one is a male Adonis Blue the other 2 butterfly I.D'S are correct

 

[wattsy]

Okay - my first chrysalis of the year was found today.....would anyone care to offer an ID - I have multiple photos as high a res as you like Chryslaiseseses don't run away!

I'm thinking large tortoiseshell?


Chrysalis 2 by British Red, on Flickr

Red

it's a Small Tortoiseshell chrysalis, the Large Tortoiseshell is extinct in Britain with less than 150 migrants recorded since 1951.

 

[Harvestman]

Thanks Wattsy, I thought it was extinct, but doubted myself based on an out of date book.

Woodpoet your spider is the false widow, Steatoda nobilis, although the size that you indicate is rather small. They have an exaggerated reputation for biting people and being dangerous, but personally I wouldn't be in the least bothered having them around.

 

[JonathanD]

Anyone ID'd my dragon yet, or have I got to get off my butt and go to the bookcase and do it myself. Yah lazy boogers.

 

[wattsy]

How's about this beauty...

I keep coming back to Southern Hawker (male I think) but my id guide is pretty naff to be honest