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A white/cream, pea/vetch type flower Flowers Broad Bean (Vicia faba) A white/cream, pea/vetch type flower

A purple/violet or pink, orchid type, flower Flowers Sawfly Orchid (Ophrys tenthrendinifera) A purple/violet or pink, orchid type, flower

A red or pink, pea/vetch type flower Flowers Common Kidneyvetch (Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea) A red or pink, pea/vetch type flower

A white/cream daisy with 10 or more petals Flowers Margarita 'White Spoon' (Dimorphotheca ecklonis) A white/cream daisy with 10 or more petals

A pink, flower with 10 or more petals Contributor: Pete Rodgers Flowers False Saw Wort (Crupina crupinastrum) A pink, flower with 10 or more petals Contributor: Pete Rodgers

A white/cream or purple/violet flower with 4 petals Flowers Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima) A white/cream or purple/violet flower with 4 petals

The Plantpot Dapperling (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) is a small, bright yellow mushroom that frequently pops up unexpectedly in indoor houseplants, greenhouses, and potting soil. These mushrooms are toxic if eaten. They contain a unique alkaloid pigment compound called birnbaumins, which causes the bright yellow hue and induces significant stomach irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Fungi Plantpot Dapperling (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) The Plantpot Dapperling (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) is a small, bright yellow mushroom that frequently pops up unexpectedly in indoor houseplants, greenhouses, and potting soil. These mushrooms are toxic if eaten. They contain a unique alkaloid pigment compound called birnbaumins, which causes the bright yellow hue and induces significant stomach irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

A study of the 'Oregano Community' that develops on a flowering oregano bush. The community consists of visiting insects and residents which catch and eat them. Life on the Oregano Life on an Oregano Bush The oregano plant is a perennial species in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region where the fresh oregano leaves are used as a herb to flavour food. Often, the flowers are removed as soon as they show to make more leaves grow, but we let the flowers on our oregano bush bloom fully during the month of May. The flower arrival begins a mad scramble in the insect world for the pollen and nectar they produce and an 'Oregano Community' develops on the bush. The community consists of visiting flying insects which are after the pollen and nectar from the white oregano flowers, and a variety of residents which catch and eat them. Butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, flies and beetles frequent the oregano on a daily basis and are prey to the spiders, mantids and assassin bugs that lie in wait for them. By far the most successful hunters are the crab spiders whose ferocity is second to none, as many of the photos below will testify. You can read my amusing blog "Oregano from a Spider's Viewpoint" by clicking HERE During the month of May 2024, I recorded photos of as many of the different species that I found frequenting the oregano bush, you can select photos for each family group here: Select Family Group Species List: Document 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4

The Broad-nosed Weevil (otiorhynchus sp.) are a family of snout beetles that are common agricultural and garden pests. They are known for their distinctive short snout and are often a nuisance because their larvae feed on roots and the adults chew distinctive U-shaped notches into leaves. Broad-nosed Weevil (otiorhynchus sp.) Beetles The Broad-nosed Weevil (otiorhynchus sp.) are a family of snout beetles that are common agricultural and garden pests. They are known for their distinctive short snout and are often a nuisance because their larvae feed on roots and the adults chew distinctive U-shaped notches into leaves.

The Common Brown Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis) is a widespread and highly recognisable insect native to Europe. It belongs to the family Elateridae, famously known for their unique ability to snap their bodies to leap into the air. Common Brown Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis) Beetles The Common Brown Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis) is a widespread and highly recognisable insect native to Europe. It belongs to the family Elateridae, famously known for their unique ability to snap their bodies to leap into the air.

The Toothed Weaver (Textrix denticulata) is a species of funnel web spider found throughout much of Europe. It is known for its speed and characteristic sheet-like web with a tubular retreat. Arachnids Toothed Weaver (Textrix denticulata) The Toothed Weaver (Textrix denticulata) is a species of funnel web spider found throughout much of Europe. It is known for its speed and characteristic sheet-like web with a tubular retreat.

The Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) is a widespread, harmless hoverfly known for mimicking the appearance of a honey bee. This form of mimicry, known as Batesian mimicry, helps protect it from predators that avoid stinging insects. Flies Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) The Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) is a widespread, harmless hoverfly known for mimicking the appearance of a honey bee. This form of mimicry, known as Batesian mimicry, helps protect it from predators that avoid stinging insects.