Visiting the thistle

Another first for me today - my first serious attempt to photograph an insect.

My knowledge of insects is so limited, I have no real idea what I have photographed here (I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be kind enough to identify the creature for me).

I was also astonished at my failure rate, trying to capture images of such fast moving creatures - thank goodness for digital cameras because film would have cost a fortune.