Insects for ID/confirmation please

[Pete Collins]

I know nothing about insects, and usually only photograph butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies. But as I literally had to step over this little chap on my walk this afternoon, and as he obviously wasn't going anywhere, I thought I'd snap him and find out what he was (you're going to tell me he's a female now, aren't you! ).



While I'm here, perhaps you could confirm these ID's for me (two butterflies and a moth):

Large Skipper

Common Blue

Six-spot Burnet moth (if I've got this ID wrong, I think I'll give up! )

I'll scurry off back to The Treehouse forum where I belong now!

Thanks a lot!

[Jenny W]

You're right with the butterflies and Burnet.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Pete.

#1: A soldier beetle- Cantharis livida. Cantharidae (I can't be 100% on that ID due to angle...)

#2: Definately a skipper, though for confirmation of Large you'd need to see a marking on the wing's top side. Hesperiidae.

#3: Looks good!

A nice series Pete, keep on snapping!

[Pete Collins]

Thanks very much, Jenny and Jason.

There were a lot of these Skippers about this afternoon, but none would pose for me for too long, and these were the only decent shots I got unfortunately, so I don't have any with the wings open.

Soldier Beetle is definitely something new to me, but as I said I know very little about insects.

I'm a walker more than a naturalist, just gradually learning about the wildlife I come across on my long walks in the countryside. It's always nice to discover something new!

Thanks again.

[Jenny W]

I thought the hooked tip on the antennae of the Large Skipper was enough to call it - please correct me if I'm wrong.

The hook is visible on your photos.

[Jason Green]

Ah, sounds like a usually-more-visible key!

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Jenny W

I thought the hooked tip on the antennae of the Large Skipper was enough to call it - please correct me if I'm wrong.

The hook is visible on your photos.

Thanks very much again Jenny!

I can see the hook you mean. I didn't know that, I'll remember it in future. I only have a tiny butterflies and moths book, which doesn't give any clues for differentiating between Large and Small Skippers.