The Large Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus trivittatus) seen on an urban safari along part of the London Loop!

Tags:   Large Tiger Hoverfly Helophilus trivittatus Hoverfly Insect London Loop Invertebrate Summer 2016 August Harold Hill Urban Safari

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This heron at the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park was doing a spot of fishing! Not for him standing in the water and stabbing the fish as they went past! No, he launched himself off his island and speared this fish whilst in flight! Perhaps he wants to be a Kingfisher!

Tags:   Grey Heron Bird Fishing London Summer 2013 August Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park Ardea cinerea

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Isn't nature amazing! We spotted this tiny chrysalis tucked between two bricks on a wall! The beauty and detail of this transient little structure is awe inspiring! (If anyone knows the ID I'd be really interested to find out what will emerge from this! Could it be a Large White butterfly? Thanks!)

Tags:   South Woodham Ferrers Wall November Autumn 2014 Insect Pupa Essex Urban Chrysalis

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Thanks to Timo, Dave and Bob for their help with confirming an ID for this moth - seen along the Embankment near Tate Britain! I had wondered if it is the Toadflax Brocade Moth (Calophasia lunula), but was hesitant because it is supposedly rare! However, Bob helpfully writes this moth "is in the process of colonising the UK and is now established in the London area."

According to the UK Moths website "As a resident species, this moth is restricted to the south-east and central southern coasts of England, where it frequents mainly shingle beaches.

It is a relatively recent colonist, arriving around 1950 and quickly gaining a foothold, but appears to be now in decline again.

It has two generations, sometimes overlapping, from May to August, and migrants sometimes appear away from the main stronghold in July and August.

The larvae, which feed on toadflax (Linaria spp.), are very colourful, but well camouflaged amongst the foodplant."

Tags:   Moth London Embankment Insect Invertebrate Spring 2016 May Noctuidae kannusruohoyökkönen

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The squirrels in St. James's Park were up to their usual tricks, but instead of eating the nuts they were given they were dashing off to bury them!

Tags:   London St James's Park Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Winter December 2014

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