Wildlife photos please

[Philthy]

Not sure what this is. First time I've seen such a creature at any rate. It moved primarily by pushing with it's long back legs (reminded me of a water boatman). It's not a strong flier - slow and struggles to gain height.

Suggestions welcome

[PyreneesPlot]

I think you are spot on :-) Water boatman do fly from pond to pond.

[Gillykat]

I was just going to say that yes, that is a water boatman.

As to Chilli's mouse Didn't think a photo of a dead mouse, however big and impressive he was, would be apt on a wildlife photo thread Perhaps I should have taken him up to Rothbury to get the taxidermist guy to stuff him

Yesterday was the first day of a week off work so as it was such a gorgeous day I decided to head to Druridge and do some birding and pan listing (my new interest which will hopefully teach me more about the UK's natural history as I'm terrible on botany and insects). Only decent in focus pic was this one which is ~ I think ~ a European Black Slug Arion ater



Today it's very grey and overcast with rain forecast later so I'm going to have a short stroll in Hulne Park and see what I can find there before it starts.

[PyreneesPlot]

Praying mantis hanging about on the sunflowers.

[Bigmallly]

It may not be right PP but as it's such a stunning pic, I just had to turn it around, hope you don't mind:

[veggiechicken]

Another caterpillar



I'm not sure what it is - wavering between Large Cabbage White and Buff tip. It likes reading whatever it is

Any offers?

[Martin H]

It's not a Large White, for certain. What was it eating?

[veggiechicken]

I don't know, Martin, 'cos I found it on my shoulder after wandering round the garden

[Martin H]

Certainly looks like it could be a buff tip, looking at images of that caterpillar.

[PyreneesPlot]

It may not be right PP but as it's such a stunning pic, I just had to turn it around, hope you don't mind:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]59435[/ATTACH]

It'll be all confused now with the blood rushing to its bum

(They do mostly hang upside down like this one was )

[Gillykat]

Ooooh praying mantis - my favourite insects

First *and only* time I ever went abroad (Crete in October 1992) I was walking along to the beach the first afternoon and a small praying mantis landed on the path in front of me. When I saw what it was I was squealing with excitement A couple of days later a HUGE female took up residence on the wall of our apartment and I called her Evil Edna because she would watch you as you walked past and turn to face you And if you went close she would jump towards you and make a hissing noise

One day I'd love to go abroad again and show Neil some mantis as they are just SO fascinating!

[PyreneesPlot]

Ooooh praying mantis - my favourite insects

A couple of days later a HUGE female took up residence on the wall of our apartment and I called her Evil Edna because she would watch you as you walked past and turn to face you And if you went close she would jump towards you and make a hissing noise

They certainly do eyeball you if you move near them. They are flying around looking for mates at the moment and get everywhere

[Bigmallly]

Well just keep 'em over your side o't Channel PP.......................

[mothhawk]

Spotted this chap in the garden this afternoon. I popped him in the specimen box because he wouldn't sit still for a photo, then when I looked him up, I found that they don't often - sit still that is - they constantly "shiver" their wings, which is why one pic is blurry

....

Thinking about a comma butterfly, and why it's called a comma, can you guess what this moth is called?

[Nicos]

looks a bit like a vampire bat!!!