David

Scarlet tiger moths seem to have started making a habit of resting on buddliea leaves. This one had its wings spread slightly, so the red of the rear part of the upper wing was visible.

Rosebay willowherb, when the flowers were just starting to open last month. These were growing in Compton Rough in the Smestow Valley nature Reserve.

Buddleia, also known as a butterfly bush because it attracts butterflies. But this is normally for their flowers, not to rest on theleaves like this comma.

A closer view than usual of the tiny florets on a buddleia.

I don’t know if it’s the places I went walking last month, but the red soldier beetles seemed to all be on yarrow flowers this year.

This plant had attracted several when I passed. One pair were clasped together, mating. I couldn’t count just how many more there were. Some were grazing on the flower. Others were appearing briefly as they walked along the flower’s lower side.

Already a month ago, when these pictures were taken, the sloes on the blackthorn hedge in the Barley Field had filled out and were on the path to ripening.