Sunbathing

The Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is just coming into flower and its nectar-rich flowers are always a magnet for a wide variety of insects. But this is the first time that we've noticed the spectacular red and black bug Corizus hyoscyami sitting on it. This may be a new species to the garden - even though our 2014 Bioblitz ended up with a total of more than 1300 organisms we are still adding more, particularly insects.


 Although historically confined to the coasts of southern Britain, Corizus hyoscyami is now found inland throughout England and Wales as far north as Yorkshire, another beneficiary of climate change. It's associated with a range of plants, and overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August-September, which explains why this one looks so bright and shiny.