Lots of Leucozona

female Leucozona glaucia

 A very impressive number of Leucozona glaucia were to be found along the Neath Canal, today. I'm usually only used to seeing one or two in this area , on any one day, but today they were by far the most common insect. I'd estimate well over 200 individuals between Resolven and Rheola.

male Leucozona glaucia

 Among all the L. glaucia was also this solitary L. laternaria, and it was nice to see it alongside it's close relative, which, incidentally is not unusual.

male Leucozona laternaria

Also today, 1 male Banded Demoiselle, 1 male Beautiful Demoiselle and a Kingfisher were some nice additions to the day.

Neath Canal near Tonna

A Hoverfly (Eristalis intricarius)

 A few more from the Neath Canal yesterday. All of these species are regarded as common in the British Isles and are likely to be found in a wide range of local habitats.

Spiny Mason Wasp (Odynerus spinipes)

Blue Lacewing (Chrysopa perla)

Bee Beetle along the Neath Canal

Bee Beetle (Trichius fasciatus)

A walk from Tonna to Clyne along the Neath Canal yesterday was very rewarding with lots of insects and birds taking advantage of the improved weather! 2 of the more striking sightings included the Bee Beetle above and Digger Wasps below.

A Digger Wasp (Argogorytes mystaceus)

Grass Snake at Neath Canal

Grass Snake (c) J. Driscoll

 Jeff Driscoll sent me these cracking photos of a Grass Snake which he found on the Neath Canal at Briton Ferry recently.

Grass Snake (c) J. Driscoll