[Newtwo]

There was a very good video of Tiger Moth, Woolly Bears in Frozen Planet 2011. Still see it if typed in Search Engine, think it's the same one as uk? Seems they can live over 20 years in the North Pole region and wait for milder days to change into a moth, lay eggs within 24 hours.. but may have details wrong, and perhaps someone will correct us if so. Not seen any here for some years now but quite common where we lived until circa half a century ago.
Newtwo

[allotmentann]

Hi Newtwo
Thanks for the link. Still trying to get it to work. It does indeed still exist. Just freezes on me, but quite a few videos seem to here.

[Newtwo]

Hi Allottmentann. Very often freezes on here too, but don't sign in iPlayer where they can be downloaded, if it makes any difference? This hard drive's nearly full and not sure if it would take up more space. Sorry, no help really.
Seeing your name wish we had an allotment instead of, by comparison two over-size window boxes called raised beds.  
Newtwo

[Springlands]

The perfume from the may blossom was almost overpowering this morning (much nicer than the usual slurry stink). Has anyone else noticed that the hawthorns are absolutely covered in flowers this year.

[Beekissed]

Oh my word. OH just had an EXPERIENCE and I am feeling LEFT OUT!
 

He saw a snake on the wall outside the back door earlier, we often catch a glimpse. But he was out there just now while I was on here and took an amazing (but short) video of two large snakes writhing. Amazing.

They are Caspian whip snakes, great rodent control, but I am now worried for the chicks.

Unfortunately photobucket will not allow me to upload videos any more.

Scattering moth balls around the coop and run will help keep the snakes away from the eggs and chicks.

[rosiecider]

Hi

Can anyone please help me identify what is hiding in these bamboo canes in my bug house, the holes seem to be sealed with something.

[8doubles]

Hi

Can anyone please help me identify what is hiding in these bamboo canes in my bug house, the holes seem to be sealed with something.

The seal could perhaps give you a clue,

Wax - bee
Paper - wasp
Silk - moth or butterfly

Unsure about what the myriad beetle larvae use .

[rosiecider]

Thanks 8doubles, looks very much like paper or wood will have to have a closer inspection when what ever it is leaves, was hoping for ladybirds 

[New shoot]

Ladybirds are not half so organised Rosiecider    They lay clusters of tiny yellow eggs close to wherever they find a good food source and leave them to fend for themselves.  Have a scout round the garden or plot wherever you see aphids on plants.

The adults will like the canes to crawl into to overwinter though 

[sunshineband]

They are likely to be Mason bees I think. They are solitary, and seal up food for their grubs inside holes/ tubes ie  small caterpillars etc and then leave them to it.

[sunshineband]

Spotted an Elephant Hawk moth sitting on the debris netting at the plot this morning

[rosiecider]

They are likely to be Mason bees I think. They are solitary, and seal up food for their grubs inside holes/ tubes ie  small caterpillars etc and then leave them to it.

ooh yuck, then again why am I feeling sorry for caterpillars !!and you are right it is mason bees spotted one the other morning, happy rosiecider

[surbie100]

I've taken to stalking bumbles on the plot. I love the variety of fluffy bums...! 

I only have a basic lens so they aren't as detailed as I would like.

[allotmentann]

  they are really cute. I always wish l could pick them up without danger of being stung!

[sunshineband]

They are likely to be Mason bees I think. They are solitary, and seal up food for their grubs inside holes/ tubes ie  small caterpillars etc and then leave them to it.

ooh yuck, then again why am I feeling sorry for caterpillars !!and you are right it is mason bees spotted one the other morning, happy rosiecider

I saw a prog. on TV about Mason bees and they stuff their nest tubes with pollen, not caterpillars. That is a kind of wasp, so you can feel a bit happier now rosie