Crystalline Green

The garden moths traps were splendid last night, but I'll save the moths for another day. Especially so as an hour after emptying the traps the rain came down and temps plummeted, it's not going to be a great week weather-wise and, anyway, I'll be busy doing some more decorating. We were meant to be lapping up some sun and alcohol on Sal this week but obviously that was cancelled. We've still got the time off though so more sanding, prepping and rollering - can't wait. I like trying to precariously reach the highest part of the landing above the stairs best ....

There were a few other bits in the trap though, including a number of small ichneumonids that I can't honestly say I've bothered noticing before. I've already had Ophion minutus this week, and there were another couple last night plus what I think are two other species. Maybe they'll get named on the 'moth trap intruders' facebook group.

Ophion minutus again

Possibly this is Perilissus albitarsis. And possibly not.

Think this is another species - black thoracic markings, darker antennae, black 'feet'

Pill Beetle

Here's a couple of bits from yesterday's walk ..

I swept this hopper from grasses and low vegetation. After mulling over it for a bit, I worked out it is Agallia consobrina, posted it to a facebook group and got the ID confirmed.

Apparently a common species, but looks like there are only a handful of previous VC55 records. A new one for me either way.

More standard fare included these swept from hawthorn ....

Grammoptera ruficornis

Cantharis nigricans

And the most interesting bit of a swept cranefly ....

Tipula vernalis

Loving the green eyes on that.

Classic Tracks & Listening To

Nothing remotely interesting to report today, as I've been busy on various things including (of all things) proper work. So, time to propose another Classic Track that I reckon every 40-something should have in their music collection, or at the very least remember fondly!

This time up, it's the superb debut single from Madness, and the track that got me into the 2-Tone / Ska revival in my very formative years - The Prince ....



Absolutely classic stuff, don't you think? Meanwhile, this week I have mostly been listening to .... .... Goldfrapp

The Black Cherry album to be precise. I quite like the recent synth-pop revival by the likes of La Roux and Little Boots, but let's not forget that Alison Goldfrapp has been putting this stuff out for a few years.