Hoverfly - Greater Hornet Plumehorn (Volucella zonaria)

Greater Hornet Plumehorn (Volucella zonaria) Size: 15.5-19.5mm Flight: May-Nov

Species of the week – 6^th October

This our largest hoverfly (In the U.K) and if you have seen one you can probably understand why it’s often mistaken for the European hornet Vespa crabo, and with good reason. Its markings mimic the hornet in both colouration and design, a classic example of Batesian mimicry. However, this hornet mimic will not sting, bite or get aggressive defending a nest, as doesn’t have one and is often seen late summer and into autumn on a warm day.

A Wilder Future for the Uplands

Unleashing the Power of Nature to Recover & Restore the Countryside

Thought of the week is slightly different this week because over the last few days I have been at a conference, in Sheffield, about the uplands. Listening to many passionate speakers debate the state of the uplands and what needs to be done to restore them. 

https://www.ukeconet.org/wilder-future-for-the-uplands.html

Are Hoverflies the Masters of the Air?

Hoverfly morphology: the wings

The function of any wing be it an insect or a bird is to give it maneuverability to help catch its prey, avoid a predator, and maybe even assist in mating. 
 
Ever seen a hoverfly just hovering around flower petals, leaves or a stem infested with aphids?
 
It’s probably a female and what it is trying to do is lay an egg on the plant without the aphids sending out chemical alarm calls. The egg of that hoverfly if laid successfully will hatch and mature into a hoverfly larva that will eat the aphids whilst it develops into an adult several weeks later. It goes without saying that this is why hoverflies are a gardener’s best friend, as they offer free pest control, if they are encouraged into your garden.
 
I am no physicist, and the purpose of the blog is not to even try to explain the process of flight. I hope however to ask the question of whether hoverflies are masters of the air, being able to frankly hover.

Hoverfly - Yellow-barred Peat (Sericomyia silentis)

Yellow-barred Peat hoverfly (Sericomyia silentis) Size: 9.5-14mm Flight: May-Nov.

Species of the week – 29^th September

This hoverfly was the star species w/c 15th September and for good reason. It was not only a new species for the year but according to my records a new one ever. What was strange was that it was observed and identified in a Sheffield garden, not in the uplands where this would be typically found. As its name implies it is one of those hoverflies associated with uplands, as its long-tailed larvae are often found in peaty pools or wet rotting wood, feeding on the detritus soup.
 
So why was it discovered in a Sheffield garden when it favours acid wetlands and heathlands?

Thought for the week - Autumn

How to Save the World

If we truly wish to save the world, the most powerful step we can take is to nurture a deeper sensitivity to nature and embrace the joy it brings.

• Become more aware of the natural world—noticing its beauty, complexity, and importance in our lives.

• Develop empathy and respect for all living things—plants, animals, and ecosystems.