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Longhorn beetle

Longhorn beetle

One of the many native species of longhorn beetles: so called because of their impressive antennae.

Longhorn beetle

This particular species is common, and feeds mainly on nectar, as here.

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White foxglove

White foxglove

Almost certainly the descendant of a cultivated foxglove, but this white specimen was nevertheless growing wild.

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Insects feeding on thistle flowers

Hoverfly feeding on thistle

Various insects feeding on thistle flowers. Notice the huge eyes of the hoverfly.

Small beetles feeding on thistle

In contrast, these black beetles are tiny.

Bee feeding on thistle

A bumblebee bends its body to extract the maximum amount of nectar.

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Infected chestnut leaf

Horse chestnut leaf miner

The chestnut tree miner is a moth whose larvae burrow in chestnut trees causing the brown discolouration seen here. The infestation is spreading and now well established in the West Midlands.

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Honey bee feeding

Honey bee feeding

A honey bee gathering nectar.

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Comma butterfly

Comma

Comma feeding. The ragged trailing edges of the wings are part of the species’ camouflage.

Comma