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Insects of the day (2)

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  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited August 2022
    I didn't know they were useful to any wildlife.

    ...that is to say, I didn't know begonias or petunias were useful to wildlife. Hoverflies are vital.



  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    Two hummingbird hawkmoths on the lavender today. Not sure I’ve ever knowingly seen one before, let alone two. Fascinating little critters to watch with their impressive proboscis’. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    They do seem to be having a good year.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited August 2022
    Alan Clark2 in Liverpool said:
    Certainly a hoverfly, it looks like Volucella inanis.

    https://www.uksafari.com/inane_hoverflies.htm

    Thanks @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool , it does look like that :)
    I'd say we're a bit further north than the midlands though. Maybe the hot weather brought them further north than usual.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    I've had one this year too @JennyJ, my first. A couple of posters have put up pics of them, they must also be having a good year.

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    They seem to be fond of eryngium :)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    Oh yes! I didn't notice that.
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    JennyJ said:
    Alan Clark2 in Liverpool said:
    Certainly a hoverfly, it looks like Volucella inanis.

    https://www.uksafari.com/inane_hoverflies.htm

    Thanks @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool , it does look like that :)
    I'd say we're a bit further north than the midlands though. Maybe the hot weather brought them further north than usual.
    My hoverfly book has a distribution map, and it does show it extending into parts of Yorkshire. It has also greatly expanded its range since about 1995.
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