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The Asilidae are a family in the order Diptera, the true flies. The common name for members of the family is the Robber Flies. The Asilidae are cosmopolitan, with over 7000 described species, so identification can be difficult. Robber flies are agile, predatory insects with bristly faces and strong, spiny legs. Found in sunny, open habitats, they catch other insects in flight using their sharp, stabbing mouthparts. Their diet includes bees, wasps, and beetles. Flies Brown Heath Robber Fly (Machimus cingulatus) The Asilidae are a family in the order Diptera, the true flies. The common name for members of the family is the Robber Flies. The Asilidae are cosmopolitan, with over 7000 described species, so identification can be difficult. Robber flies are agile, predatory insects with bristly faces and strong, spiny legs. Found in sunny, open habitats, they catch other insects in flight using their sharp, stabbing mouthparts. Their diet includes bees, wasps, and beetles.

The 'eggs' on the bee are called Phoretic Mites, almost certainly the Wool Carder Bee Mite (Sennertionyx manicati). They gather in the narrow junction between the thorax and abdomen which is a prime location because the bee cannot reach back far enough with its legs to groom or brush them off. Many solitary bees have developed folds in their exoskeleton designed to specifically carry these mites to a new home. Once the female bee finishes constructing her nest, the mites hop off into the chamber where they feed on molds, fungi, or excess debris, which keeps the developing bee larvae clean and healthy. Arachnids Wool Carder Bee Mite (Sennertionyx manicati) The 'eggs' on the bee are called Phoretic Mites, almost certainly the Wool Carder Bee Mite (Sennertionyx manicati). They gather in the narrow junction between the thorax and abdomen which is a prime location because the bee cannot reach back far enough with its legs to groom or brush them off. Many solitary bees have developed folds in their exoskeleton designed to specifically carry these mites to a new home. Once the female bee finishes constructing her nest, the mites hop off into the chamber where they feed on molds, fungi, or excess debris, which keeps the developing bee larvae clean and healthy.

The Mediterranean Brocade (Spodoptera littoralis), also known as the Egyptian Cotton Leafworm, is a moth widespread in warm regions. Its brown adults are nocturnal, while larvae feed voraciously on many crops, including cotton, maize, and vegetables. Highly destructive and adaptable, it is a major agricultural pest with multiple generations per year in suitable climates. Moths Mediterranean Brocade (Spodoptera littoralis) The Mediterranean Brocade (Spodoptera littoralis), also known as the Egyptian Cotton Leafworm, is a moth widespread in warm regions. Its brown adults are nocturnal, while larvae feed voraciously on many crops, including cotton, maize, and vegetables. Highly destructive and adaptable, it is a major agricultural pest with multiple generations per year in suitable climates.

The Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis), also known as the Blue-eyed Hawker, is a dragonfly species that is native to southern Europe and Asia. It is frequently confused with the Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta). Dragonflies/Damselflies Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis) Link The Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis), also known as the Blue-eyed Hawker, is a dragonfly species that is native to southern Europe and Asia. It is frequently confused with the Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta).

The Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) is a small, day-flying moth known for its striking purple and gold or yellow wings. A common sight in gardens and grasslands, its caterpillars feed on herbs in the mint family. The species is widespread across Europe Moths Mint (Pyrausta aurata) The Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) is a small, day-flying moth known for its striking purple and gold or yellow wings. A common sight in gardens and grasslands, its caterpillars feed on herbs in the mint family. The species is widespread across Europe

The Old Lady (Mormo maura) is a large, dark noctuid moth found across Europe. Its broad, patterned wings resemble old, folded fabric, giving it its name. Nocturnal and secretive, it flies in late summer, often near damp woodland and riversides. The caterpillars feed on various shrubs and trees, while adults are attracted to overripe fruit and nectar. Moths Old Lady (Mormo maura) The Old Lady (Mormo maura) is a large, dark noctuid moth found across Europe. Its broad, patterned wings resemble old, folded fabric, giving it its name. Nocturnal and secretive, it flies in late summer, often near damp woodland and riversides. The caterpillars feed on various shrubs and trees, while adults are attracted to overripe fruit and nectar.

The Common Bluetail (Ischnura elegans) is a small damselfly widespread across Europe. Males have a blue thorax and tail segment, while females show variable coloration. Inhabiting ponds, lakes, and slow streams, it feeds on small insects and exhibits a weak, fluttering flight. Dragonflies/Damselflies Common Bluetail (Ischnura elegans) Link The Common Bluetail (Ischnura elegans) is a small damselfly widespread across Europe. Males have a blue thorax and tail segment, while females show variable coloration. Inhabiting ponds, lakes, and slow streams, it feeds on small insects and exhibits a weak, fluttering flight.

The Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea) is a vibrant cup-shaped fungus found on decaying hardwood during the cooler months. Visually, it is nearly identical to another species, Sarcoscypha austriaca, and often confused with it in the field. Microscopic examination is necessary to differentiate the two with certainty. Fungi Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea) The Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea) is a vibrant cup-shaped fungus found on decaying hardwood during the cooler months. Visually, it is nearly identical to another species, Sarcoscypha austriaca, and often confused with it in the field. Microscopic examination is necessary to differentiate the two with certainty.

The Rufous Tortrix (Clepsis consimilana) is also known as the Privet Twist and is a common and widespread micro-moth. It is easily recognised by its small size and two distinct dark spots on the trailing edge (dorsum) of the forewing. Contributor: Dougy Wright Moths Rufous Tortrix (Clepsis consimilana) The Rufous Tortrix (Clepsis consimilana) is also known as the Privet Twist and is a common and widespread micro-moth. It is easily recognised by its small size and two distinct dark spots on the trailing edge (dorsum) of the forewing. Contributor: Dougy Wright

The European Chafer (Amphimallon majale) is a brown, hairy scarab beetle whose larvae, or grubs, can cause severe damage to lawns and turf. It originates from continental Europe. European Chafer (Amphimallon majale) Beetles The European Chafer (Amphimallon majale) is a brown, hairy scarab beetle whose larvae, or grubs, can cause severe damage to lawns and turf. It originates from continental Europe.

The Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides) is a distinctive and common moth from the family Drepanidae (hook-tips). It is widely celebrated by entomologists as one of the most attractive European moths due to its intricate, "flint-like" wing patterns. Contributor: Dougy Wright Moths Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides) The Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides) is a distinctive and common moth from the family Drepanidae (hook-tips). It is widely celebrated by entomologists as one of the most attractive European moths due to its intricate, "flint-like" wing patterns. Contributor: Dougy Wright

The Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida) is a scarab beetle native to southern Europe and North Africa, known for the yellowish hairs covering its grayish-black body. While the larvae are harmless decomposers, the adult beetles can damage the flowers of fruit trees and other plants. Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida) Beetles The Hairy Rose Beetle (Tropinota squalida) is a scarab beetle native to southern Europe and North Africa, known for the yellowish hairs covering its grayish-black body. While the larvae are harmless decomposers, the adult beetles can damage the flowers of fruit trees and other plants.