Ladybird Beetles

A pair of 14-spot ladybird beetles (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) mating.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2012-04-30.

Hoverfly

After a few days of heavy rain, Monday was warm and sunny. The ground was still damp and there were large puddles here and there but the spring insects were out in large numbers.  This is a male Leucozona lucorum (Diptera: Syrphidae) feeding on lady's smock (Cardamine pratensis).

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2012-04-30.

Moth

A small moth, probably Aspilapteryx tringipennella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae).  The larvae of this moth mine the leaves of ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata).

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2012-04-29.

Hoverfly

From two years ago: a female Volucella zonaria (Diptera: Syrphidae).  A hornet-mimic.

Photo taken in the Wilderness, Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK on 2010-07-25.

Soldier Beetle

A yellow soldier beetle, probably Cantharis decipiens (Coleoptera: Cantharidae).  Recognizable by the pattern of black and yellow on the pronotum (the plate just behind the head).

 

Compare with the similar Rhagonycha lignosa.  There are several keys to UK soldier beetles available out on the web: here, here and here, for example.

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2012-04-27.