Aw, @Papi Jo I love that one of the hummingbird hawk moth. I saw (heard) one yesterday whilst at Goodnestone Park Gardens, but it wouldn't oblige for a photo - and my mobile phone isn't fast enough. This was the best I could get - which really ought to be in the "Sense of Humus" thread!!
I have no idea what is going on here, but I'm assuming this questionable looking fungi-type thing is emitting some kind of smell which is attracting these little flies...I nearly stepped on it!
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
Ah yes, Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn), or a US equivalent. The spore cap emits a 'carrion' smell that attracts flies which then inadvertently carry off the spores.
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
I believe this to be an Ichneumon wasp, that lays its eggs on moth pupae. If anyone can narrow it down to a species I would be grateful. It came to the Mv light moth trap.
Over the last few days I noticed that the loo rolls with sweet pea seedlings are very popular with some type of bee. There were about ten buzzing about, exclusively targeting this soil (and the grit surrounding it in the mushroom tray) rather than that in the adjacent pots. The bees did not seem to carry off anything. Perhaps the soil was a bit wetter than that in other pots. Any ideas what the buzz is?
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I love that one of the hummingbird hawk moth.
I saw (heard) one yesterday whilst at Goodnestone Park Gardens, but it wouldn't oblige for a photo - and my mobile phone isn't fast enough. This was the best I could get - which really ought to be in the "Sense of Humus" thread!!
See the blur in the centre of the photo.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
(for those who are interested in this extremely pollinators friendly plant, it is Cirsium Atropurpurea)