What a monster!

Apparently this is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth, and it's quite large – a monster.  Maybe 9cm long and a fat chap, we feel quite privileged that it has taken up residence next to our pond.  It’s noshing a rosebay willow-herb. Shortly after this photo the monster fell off the plant on to the stones around the pond and lay still for a few minutes.  He was probably feeling a little embarrassed . . .

And in the Extras is a Bilberry Bumblebee, according to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.  It also says that the Bilberry doesn't normally live around here, but it's pretty distinctive in its colouring (orange brindled bum, yellow stripes in front and behind its wings). She was making excited visits to all the flowers in this bed of lavender while we sat a couple of feet away enjoying a mug of tea in the sun. 

Finally, in the Extras, it's Friday: time to finish off the Pinot Grigio from earlier in the week, and for a good Weissbier.