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Harvestman

Harvestman

What has eight legs and isn’t a spider?

Lots of creatures, actually. This harvestman is indeed an arachnid, but nevertheless not a spider.

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David

Shaggy parasol

Shaggy Parasol

The shaggy parasol, lepiota rhacodes, is one of the most distinctive of the toadstool-shaped fungi.

This specimen had only recently emerged. If it is not disturbed, the cap will flatten as it grows, eventually spreading out to as much as six inches wide while keeping the flaky appearance.

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David

Glistening inkcap

Glistening inkcap

Another inkcap species. Coprinus micaceus gets its official name because the new toadstools, as here, appear to be sprinkled with flecks of mica.

This specimen was growing unnoticed on a tree stump within inches of a kerb.

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David

Toadflax

Toadflax flower

This linarea vulgaris was thriving on a patch of overgrown ground overlooked by the bridge where the trains heading north from Wolverhampton first cross the Birmingham canal.

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David

Squirrel

Squirrel

This grey squirrel was leaping around in the grounds of Bantock Park like it was still full of the joys of spring.

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David

Hogweed

Cow parsnip

The cow parsley or hogweed, Anthriscus sylvestris, is normally a summer-blooming plant. This specimen, on the edge of Valley Park, still had fine flowers when these pictures were taken on October 1st.

Cow parsnip