Noticing Nature Blog

I came across this Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) in Staple churchyard today. A similar species to the Box Bug I found in Goodnestone churchyard a few days ago, but broader. Dock Bug

A few more butterflies from the fields, gardens and hedgerows around Staple today. Clockwise from top left: Ringlet, an increasingly scarce Small Tortoiseshell, one of several Small Blues near Rowling and a rather tatty Green-veined White.

A Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus) in Goodnestone churchyard today. At one time this bug was a rarity and only found in the Box Hill area of Surrey. Over the last 20 years or so it has spread rapidly and is now relatively common in the south-east. Box Bug

I came across this amazing creature today. It's an arachnid but not a spider. It's a Harvestman (a group renowned for their impossibly long legs), probably Leiobunum blackwalli. Leiobunum blackwalli

A worker German Wasp (Vespula germanica) drinking from the churchyard pond. They nest underground, often in old mouse/vole nests, so there are plenty of opportunities for them around the tombs. German Wasp (worker)

A female Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly perched-up on the hedge towards Crixhall Court. Broad-bodied Chaser (female)