Wildlife August 2013

[Anthony Darby]

You wouldn't be studying furry caterpillars there David.

[David Nicholson]

  'twas an interesting subject!

[Susann]

I got some new friends that I hope will keep you busy for a while. I have no idea what they are or even in which family one should start searching the answers. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy them. All shot in August, in Veleta, Sierra Nevada, at around 3 000- 3 400 m

the poop


the coachcreep


the tribal walnut


the true bluewing. The blue color of the wings when flying is absolutely breathtaking.


And finally the jumpmontains

[Armin]

Susann,

the true blueing is a carpenter bee Xylocopa violacea. Large and beautiful.
The jumpmontains could be Eumigus rubioi.
The coachcreep maybe Baetica ustulata, endemic in Spain.
The tribal walnut looks like a Pimelia monticola.
The poop is maybe Meloe proscarabaeus.

[Anthony Darby]

Lovely photos. Oil beetles are fascinating.

[Susann]

You are totally incredible!
But the bluewing being a carpenter bee,? I was sure it was a butterfly pretending to be Batman. I am happy to have met an endemic insect, thank you for telling me. I think he looked nice. And yes, the beetle was very beautiful, but I only saw it once.

[Armin]

The blue carpenter bee is a warmth loving species and still heads for northwards since last 50 years.

It is impressive to see them already in March.
One of my favourite images is when feeding on an tiny crocus ancyrensis

The image was shot already in 2006 but the blue carpender bees are regular visitors in my garden.
And there is no need to be afraid of them - they have a gentle nature.

[Gerdk]

Armin,
Interesting facts - unfortunately this colorful bee doesn`t reach our region until now.

Gerd

[Maggi Young]

  I don't think that Xylocopa violacea is in the UK either (except for some occasional reports from England)
- what a startlingly attractive creature it is. It would be exciting to see them live.

[Roma]

I couldn't resist these little guys even if they were eating all the leaves on a couple of small birch trees.  I even moved 2 or 3 to the birch trees after finding them in odd places like galloping over the (concrete) garage floor.  I think they have all gone now, hopefully to pupate then I'll be overrun with them next year

Phalera bucephala

[Roma]

Carder bees have been very common this summer.  There are usually plenty around in spring especially on Pulmonarias but the do not seem as common as other bumble bees later on.

[Mark Griffiths]

Been out and about butterflying last couple of days. First a Chalkhill blue and then my first Brown Hairstreak (third year of looking!)

[Armin]

It would be exciting to see them live.

Maggi,
it is like a black hornet whooshing over

[Armin]

Armin,
Interesting facts - unfortunately this colorful bee doesn`t reach our region until now.
Gerd

Gerd,
read this portrait and scroll down to the images: You will be surprised
http://www.wildbienen.de/eb-xviol.htm

[Maggi Young]

Maggi,
it is like a black hornet whooshing over

 Ooooohhhh!             Then it is just as well you tell me they are harmless, friendly creatures!