The 'Active winter invertebrates' thread!

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

As those of us who actively search out invertebrates know, all those insects we've been seeing all summer have mostly died off or gone into hibernation - I'm certainly seeing far fewer. However, I'm still seeing some, so thought this might make an interesting thread - if you've been out and seen any insects in this cold part of the year, post the name or photo here.

I'll be recording those I see and adding them to my website as a November - February list, and here of course!

It doesn't have to be every insect you see (...as that may be quite a list, but still), maybe just those that may seem more surprising... there may be some good finds.

Anyone interested?

Take care,

Jason

[Bruce Williams]

Good idea Jason!

Bruce

[Jason Claxton]

A Red Admiral on the Buddleia in my garden today

[Acutipuerilis]

Consider this a plug for psyllids!

They have a wide range of summer host plants, but come the winter many of them migrate to dense conifer foliage that will tide them over. Most of what I see is either Cacopsylla melanoneura or Trioza urticae, but there can be many others to be found in lower numbers. Yesterday I also had Trioza remota, and two Cacopsylla species that I'm struggling to ID... and that was in the rain!

Please do post psyllid pics generally, and I'll see where I can get with IDing for whoever wants. If you spot an interesting-looking one, please collect it - it will often need a closer examination than just a photo or two.
Thanks!
Joe

[Acutipuerilis]

Should also say that winter's the best time of year for many springtails... I know they're not insects, but they're close enough!

[JRsbugs]

I've seen a Pine Ladybird today, first this year! Took pics of course.

I've got pics of two Psyllids in the last few days Joe, as well as a few springtails some of which are new to me. I'm searching under leaves for leaf mines too, found some pupating Ectoedemia I think.

[Acutipuerilis]

That's great, Janet - will look forward to them!

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

Should also say that winter's the best time of year for many springtails... I know they're not insects, but they're close enough!

Certainly - I've been coming across young and adult Dicyrtomina saundersii, and possibly Allacma fusca and Ceratophysella bengtssoni (...or is it Pondura aquatica? It's around a small temporary body of water) of late - none all summer. It seems that tiny insects aren't affected by low/cold temperatures. Maybe because their small bodies don't require as much heat as say a butterfly, or is that obvious?

My observations today... a small crab spider about 2mm in body - been over a month, maybe two, since I last saw one. Also, a Microterys nietneri... again! They're very common in my garden

[tristanba]

Loads of Arocatus longiceps this weekend under London Plane bark in central London, plus a few more hets and hoppers in south London including Orthops campestris, Phytocoris tiliae and Grypotes puncticollis. Harlequin ladybirds everywhere!

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the updates, all! Tristan - P. tiliae looks stunning! Any tips on tracking one down?