a bug for BCAM

...the weather threw nearly everything it had at us today. This morning, we drove back to Morden Bog in bright sunshine that was accompanied by a gale of a wind. By the time we were into our walk, the cloud had piled in and it soon began to rain. As the rain grew heavier, it rapidly turned to hail and we had to take shelter under one of the lone pines on the heath. In addition to getting a soaking from above, our feet were drenched because the whole heath has turned into a marsh following all the recent rain.

Despite all this, we still managed to see another smooth snake and the sun was out again as we made our way back to where we started.

You may have noticed that many of my recent insects have been photographed sitting on bramble leaves. At this time of year, it would be almost impossible not to find something of interest on a good patch of south facing blackberry hedgerow. Stand in front of a likely looking spot and allow a few moments for your eyes to become comfortable with the colours, shapes and focus. Then, scan the leaves (both sides) and stems. It is amazing how many things seem to appear that you didn't see at first glance.

This is a Hawthorn Shieldbug final instar nymph, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale. After its next moult it will overwinter as an adult and emerge in spring to mate. The larvae feed mainly on hawthorn berries.

This evening, we are enjoying thunderstorms and more heavy rain...