Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) male and the cocoon balancing act!

Male Red Mason bee (Osmia bicornis) and his balancing cocoon act! After taking a little over an hour to chew his way out of his cocoon, it appeared the cocoon did not want to be left behind! Made me laugh although he was one frustrated bee! “All my articles and...
Potential varroa biological control? video

Potential varroa biological control? video

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) a possible predator of varroa? Many years ago, Dr. David Gillespie an entomologist with of Agriculture Canada, discovered a leaf litter dwelling generalist predatory mite, which is also a native UK mite, that feeds...
Spiders in da house mobile identification app!

Spiders in da house mobile identification app!

Spider in da house! This time of the year, numerous spiders leave our wildlife gardens to venture into our houses, often ending up in the bath!! Recently, the Society of Biology launched a new recording app and is asking everyone to report their findings. The app...
Can you spot the southern hawker dragonfly?!!

Can you spot the southern hawker dragonfly?!!

Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) dragonfly hanging from branch in oak tree  Normally patrolling areas, especially along hedges for insect snacks, for me it is unusual to see this dragonfly when it has landed. It was sheltering from the drizzle at Rixton Clay Pits,...