Robber Fly & Demoiselle

Didn’t get out today but Alan did and found another Beautiful Demoiselle. The species being found increasingly in Cholsey now since spreading from the Upper Thames area. Wonder what is driving that?

Also yesterday he found what we believe to be a Kite-tailed Robber Fly? Not sure if this insect has been recorded in Cholsey before? Six Robber Flies species are found in Britain and are all voracious predators of other insects. The only other one we have recorded is the larger Hornet Robber Fly which is seen locally in most summers.

Also the first Gatekeeper butterfly of the year. Per Alan Dawson & Tom Pittaway.

Photos courtesy Alan.

Hornet Robber Fly from last year.